Writing And Vocabulary In Foreign Language Acquisition

The current volume aspires to add to previous research on the connection between writing and language learning from a dual perspective: It seeks to reflect current progress in the domain as well as to foster future developments in theory and research. The theoretical postulations contained in Part I identify and expand in novel ways the diverse lenses through which the varied, multi-faceted dimensions of the connection between writing and language learning can be explored. The methodological reflections put forward in Part III signal theoretically-grounded and pedagogically-relevant paths along which future empirical work can grow. The empirical studies reported in Part II illuminate the myriad of individual, educational, and task-related variables that (may) mediate short-term and long-term language learning outcomes. These studies examine diverse forms of writing, performed in varied environments (including pen-and-paper and digital writing), conditions (writing individually and/or collaboratively), and instructional settings (academic settings – including secondary school and college level institutions – as well as out-of-school contexts).

This volume features eight articles on writing and vocabulary acquisitiontwo crucial areas of study in foreign language learning and teaching. Five contributions have come from notable research environments in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland and Wales. The first section is devoted to studies of writing in a second or a foreign language (L2). The second section deals with vocabulary acquisition illustrating the wide scope of the issues open to investigation.

The book discusses vocabulary learning strategies as an integral subgroup of language learning strategies. It defines language learning strategies in general and their features on the basis of cognitive theory and relevant models of second language acquisition as the basis for empirical research. Furthermore, the book gives a survey of research on vocabulary learning strategies and describes three original empirical studies. Thus, the book attempts at integrating the approaches of theories of second language acquisition, the theory and practice of instructed foreign language learning, and the findings of current empirical research.

Listening to the voices of learners as they write an essay or try to cope with unfamiliar words in a text is a luxury often reserved for researchers. This book observes individuals performing similar tasks in their first and their foreign language and invites readers with an interest in foreign language acquisition to follow the same learners in their efforts to cope in both languages.

This book provides pedagogical suggestions for both teachers and learners.

Measuring Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition provides an examination of the background to testing vocabulary knowledge in a second language and in particular considers the effect that word frequency and lexical coverage have on learning and communication in a foreign language. It examines the tools we have for assessing the various facets of vocabulary knowledge such as aural and written word recognition, the link with word meaning, and vocabulary depth. These are illustrated and the scores they produce are demonstrated to provide normative data. Vocabulary acquisition from course books and in the classroom in examined, as is vocabulary uptake from informal tasks. This book ties scores on tests of vocabulary breadth to performance on standard foreign language examinations and on hierarchies of communicative performance such as the CEFR.

This highly regarded work brings together prominent authorities on vocabulary teaching and learning to provide a comprehensive yet concise guide to effective instruction. The book showcases practical ways to teach specific vocabulary words and word-learning strategies and create engaging, word-rich classrooms. Instructional activities and games for diverse learners are brought to life with detailed examples. Drawing on the most rigorous research available, the editors and contributors distill what PreK-8 teachers need to know and do to support all students' ongoing vocabulary growth and enjoyment of reading. New to This Edition*Reflects the latest research and instructional practices.*New section (five chapters) on pressing current issues in the field: assessment, authentic reading experiences, English language learners, uses of multimedia tools, and the vocabularies of narrative and informational texts.*Contributor panel expanded with additional leading researchers.

While most teachers acknowledge the importance of vocabulary in learning a new language, many assume a reading class or other teacher will cover vocabulary. Yet vocabulary plays an essential role in good writing, especially academic writing. Teaching Vocabulary Is the Writing Teacher’s Job explores the serious nature of ESL students’ lexical plight and looks at vocabulary in relation to reading, speaking, listening, and writing proficiency. It also examines the role of vocabulary in ESL writing assessment. In the conclusion, author Keith Folse discusses eight research-based suggestions for writing teachers, including encouraging students to become vocabulary detectives, teaching collocations, testing vocabulary, and teaching paraphrasing and summarizing.