OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS NEWS

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Review - Learning to Teach English

Title: Learning to Teach English Second Edition

Publisher: DELTA

Author: Peter Watkins

Reviewer: Sharon Chalmers, Director of Studies, Live Language, Glasgow

Overall rating- 

 

Grade: 5/4/3/2/1

Comments (5 being the highest grade and 1 the lowest)

             5

I was extremely impressed with this title.  It comprises 18 easy-to-read units, covering key aspects of teaching.  Each unit, although short, doesn’t skimp on content or dumb down to any degree whatsoever.  I found the chapters to be bite-sized versions of fuller, much longer, texts dedicated to the topics at hand. 

 

The units have common features:  background theory, classroom practice ideas, reflection questions (Try it out section) and commentary on the test questions throughout.  These features combine to provide a thoroughly, comprehensive guide to topics such as classroom management, skills, linguistic systems and learner independence. 

 

The background theory gives the reader insights into the topic without overloading them with jargon.  Different methods and activities provide the teacher with a number of alternatives, allowing them to select the best for their own learners.  The Try it out section helps new teachers out with lesson planning and promotes reflection.  Throughout the book, you can see frequent examples of how Watkins encourages the reader to become a reflective practitioner, which makes it ideal for anyone interested in their own CPD or for teacher trainers planning in-house sessions.  The Commentary section tests the reader’s comprehension of each unit and the answer key provides a full discussion of each question.

 

The text is also supported by a DVD of real lessons with commentary from the teacher.  For those lacking classroom experience, this is an ideal opportunity to get a feel for teaching English.    These are accompanied by photocopiable task files, meaning they can be used for training purposes also.  In addition to this, Watkins provides a glossary and bank of photocopiable lesson plans.

 

This easy-to-use text could be used by any teacher, but I’d recommend it highly for those thinking about going into teaching.  If you are volunteering or starting a certificate course, it provides practical lesson ideas and advice to get you started.  One aspect that I particularly liked about this book was how Watkins encouraged you to reflect.  His questions are thought provoking and they would benefit even the most seasoned professional.

 

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