Understanding Language Use in the Classroom

A Linguistic Guide for College Educators

By (author) Susan J. Behrens

Hardback - £34.95

Publication date:

01 May 2014

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

210x148mm
6x8"

ISBN-13: 9781783091751

It is clear that a proper understanding of what academic English is and how to use it is crucial for success in college, and yet students face multiple obstacles in acquiring this new 'code', not least that their professors often cannot agree amongst themselves on a definition and a set of rules. Understanding Language Use in the Classroom aims to bring the latest findings in linguistics research on academic English to educators from other disciplines, and to help them help their students learn and achieve. Behrens combines a powerful argument for the importance of explicit teaching of language skills in college with answers to common questions from professors and students, as well as sample teaching materials to help make these issues come alive in the classroom.

Behrens has written an accessible, well-organized, well-researched book...In short, what Behrens has masterfully done is to translate the esoterica of linguistics into accessible language, just as she asserts the need for teachers to do the same (make academic language accessible to students) in their own discourse.  All teachers—K-12 or college—in all subject areas would become better at building communication skills in their classrooms, as well as in professional discourse, by reading this very readable book.