This volume presents the first collection of work on research synthesis in applied linguistics. It introduces readers­ ­to a cutting-edge approach for reviewing and summarizing exactly what accumulated research has to say about theoretical and practical subjects. John Norris and Lourdes Ortega first elucidate the value and practice of synthesis, and they challenge all members of the research community to adopt a “synthetic ethic”. The book then features seven empirical syntheses, each modeling rigorous synthetic practice in definitively reviewing the state of knowledge and research quality in important domains. Included are five meta-analyses on: Universal Grammar; Task-Based Interaction; Corrective Feedback; Instructed Pragmatics Development; and Reading Strategy Training. Also included are a qualitative meta-synthesis on Effective Teaching for English Language Learners, and a historiographical synthesis of Proficiency Assessment practices. Rounding out the collection are commentaries by two renowned experts in language learning and teaching research: Nick Ellis and Craig Chaudron.

'I applaud the authors for this sizeable undertaking, as well as the care exercised in selecting and sequencing topics and subtopics. A major strength and salient feature of this volume is its range: It will serve as a key reference tool for researchers working in L2 composition and in allied fields.' – John Hedgcock, Monterey Institute for International Studies Synthesizing twenty-five years of the most significant and influential findings of published research on second language writing in English, this volume promotes understanding and provides access to research developments in the field. Overall, it distinguishes the major contexts of English L2 learning in North America, synthesizes the research themes, issues, and findings that span these contexts, and interprets the methodological progression and substantive findings of this body of knowledge. Of particular interest is the extensive bibliography, which makes this volume an essential reference tool for libraries and serious writing professionals, both researchers and practitioners, both L1 and L2. This book is designed to allow researchers to become familiar with the most important research on this topic, to promote understanding of pedagogical needs of L2 writing students, and to introduce graduate students to L2 writing research findings.

Synthesizing twenty-five years of the most significant and influential findings of published research on second language writing in English, this volume promotes understanding and provides access to research developments in the field. It is an essential reference tool for libraries and for serious writing professionals, both researchers and practitioners, both L1 and L2.

The book provides a review of scientific research on the learning outcomes of students with limited or no proficiency in English in U.S. schools. Research on students in kindergarten to grade 12 is reviewed. The primary chapters of the book focus on these students' acquisition of oral language skills in English, their development of literacy (reading & writing) skills in English, instructional issues in teaching literacy, and achievement in academic domains (i.e., mathematics, science, and reading). The reviews and analyses of the research are relatively technical with a focus on research quality, design characteristics, and statistical analyses. The book provides a set of summary tables that give details about each study, including full references, characteristics of the students in the research, assessment tools and procedures, and results. A concluding chapter summarizes the major issues discussed and makes recommendations about particular areas that need further research.

This book provides readers with a range of approaches and tools for thinking deeply about conducting research in their own language classrooms. The book's accessible style and content encourage language teachers to become part of a community focused on inquiry, equipping them with relevant terminology and concepts for their own teaching and research (inquiry, data collection, data analysis, bringing it all together). The reader is exposed to various research methods and examples, accompanied by pros and cons and rationales for each. This enables them to select which research approaches resonate most and are relevant to their own teaching. The book is designed to empower language teachers to engage in ongoing research, thus democratizing who might be considered a researcher. It includes a range of activities and reflections that can be adapted for both pre- and in-service language teachers in diverse language classrooms.

The Continuum Companion to Research Methods in Applied Linguistics is designed to be the essential one-volume resource for students. The book includes: * qualitative and quantitative methods * research techniques and approaches * ethical considerations * sample studies * a glossary of key terms * resources for students As well as covering a range of methodological issues it looks at numerous areas in depth, including researching gender and language, language and identity, pragmatics, vocabulary, and grammar. Comprehensive and accessible, this will be the essential guide to research methods for undergraduate and postgraduate students in applied linguistics and language studies.

This book examines current research centered on the second language classroom and the implications of this research for both the teaching and learning of foreign languages. It offers illuminating insights into the important relationship between research and teaching, and the inherent complexities of the teaching and learning of foreign languages in classroom settings. Offers an accessible overview of a range of research on instruction and learning in the L2 classroom Bridges the relationship between research, teachers, and learners Helps evolve the practice of dedicated current language teachers with research findings that suggest best practices for language teaching