Focus on the Language Classroom

by Dick Allwright and Kathleen M. Bailey

Considerable research has gone on in recent years into exactly what happens in the language classroom - what and how learners learn, what teachers actually do, and what kind of events take place. Sometimes the findings show that what happens is not what is expected when lessons are being prepared and taught. Allwright and Bailey set out to define the aims, principles, and objectives of classroom research, to describe the findings and relate these...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521269091
• ISBN13: 9780521269094
• Release Date: April 1991
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

classroom interaction studies and theoretical backgrounds

Excellent summary on the development of classroom research provides insights on what is classroom research and why it is important at this moment. Lucid but reader friendly style of writing catches reader¡¯s attention, and provides insights as well as thought provoking suggestions on understanding learner errors, input and interaction in language classrooms. The book extends the scope of classroom interaction from diverse angles-receptivity, attention, etc. In the appendices section of the book, Allwright and Bailey illustrate classroom interaction analysis schema which are quite helpful for the novice researchers regarding what to look at in the language classroom. The diverse observation schema illustrated might meet future researchers¡¯ needs coming from different research backgrounds. However, the authors do not limit the scope of investigation within quantifiable and observable data. Their explanations as to the differences between quantitative and qualitative research paradigm might ameliorate novice researchers¡¯ conceptualization in understanding two different research positions.