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Teaching Modern Languages

Teaching Modern Languages

Teaching Modern Languages

Knowledge, Skills and Methods
Michael Lynch, University of Edinburgh
June 2025
Paperback
9781009385169

    An essential resource for trainee teachers and graduate students, this textbook presents strategies and practical advice for preparing and planning lessons in a clear, step-by-step way and demonstrates how to inspire confidence and competence in language learners. Chapters cover many important aspects of initial teacher training including skills development; modes of teaching; unit and lesson planning; assessment; remote learning; digital literacy, and student and teacher wellbeing. Packed with pedagogical value, each chapter includes clear learning objectives, concise chapter summaries, defined key terms, interactive box features, reflective questions and further reading recommendations. Supplementary resources include templates for planning and assessment, feed-forward and feedback forms, extra tasks and activities, and sample answers. By connecting theory and practice, this authoritative guide provides trainee teachers with the necessary tools to develop the knowledge, skills and methods required to become an effective modern languages teacher in a contemporary world.

    • Provides advice on developing effective student-teacher relationships, promoting academic engagement, and maintaining safe classroom environments
    • Includes Try This Out features to put learning into practice and Food for Thought features to encourage active engagement
    • Offers practical guidance on supporting both student and teacher wellbeing
    • Demonstrates how to successfully harness developing technology to benefit learning and teaching

    Reviews & endorsements

    'Teaching Modern Languages is an essential read for student teachers, in-service teachers and teacher trainers alike. Michael Lynch's elegant and lively style helps to explain the intricacies of foreign language teaching, providing ample food for thought and a myriad of very practical examples that unlock a treasure trove of linguistic and didactic insights.' Markus Wiesinger, Linz Private University of Education, Austria

    'This groundbreaking book is an indispensable companion for educators at all stages of their careers. It masterfully bridges theory and practice, offering a comprehensive framework for effective teaching. A must-read that will inspire and empower teachers to create engaging, impactful learning environments. This resource is set to become a cornerstone in teacher education and professional development.' Patricia Arnáiz Castro, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

    'This valuable book offers a comprehensive and practical guide for language educators. It bridges theory and classroom practice, equipping instructors with essential strategies for effective modern language teaching. Its structured approach, with a variety of useful supplementary resources, ensures accessibility for both new and experienced teachers, as well as teacher-trainers, making it a valuable resource for building linguistic proficiency and pedagogical excellence.' Karen Ludke, Edge Hill University, UK

    See more reviews

    Product details

    June 2025
    Hardback
    9781009385190
    250 pages
    254 × 178 mm
    0.67kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction
    • 2. Approaches to language teaching and target language use
    • 3. Skills development
    • 4. Modes of teaching
    • 5. Unit planning
    • 6. Principles of successful lesson planning
    • 7. Differentiation and responding to pupils' needs
    • 8. Assessment of, for and as learning in modern foreign languages
    • 9. Digital literacy
    • 10. Remote learning, teaching and assessment
    • 11. Drama, music and games
    • 12. Organisation and management
    • 13. Collaboration and professional development
    • Bibliography
    • Index.
      Author
    • Michael Lynch , University of Edinburgh

      Michael Lynch is Senior Lecturer in Language Studies at the University of Edinburgh and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has been a teacher educator for several decades, is fluent in four languages, and regularly serves as an external examiner for ITE programmes. He has contributed to the development of a national resource for languages through his work as a founder member of the Scottish Council of Deans of Education Languages Group and co-creator of the National Framework for Languages.