Supporting Independent Language Learning: Issues and Interventions

by Terry Lamb (Editor), Hayo Reinders (Editor)

People learn foreign languages in many different contexts and for many different reasons. However, they all have in common the need to be able to learn independently in some way. The chapters in this book describe a range of contexts for independent language learning around the world, some related to children, others to adults, some to classrooms, others to self-access centres or even to distance learning. They explore a number of issues to consider when supporting these learners. In addition, a number of practical interventions are described. This book also includes a thematic bibliography of publications in this field.

277 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2006

About the author

Terry spent 16 years teaching languages in secondary schools. He has also carried out advisory work, taught English in Poland and Turkey, and has been a consultant to the Ministry of Education in Malaysia on the `Learning how to Learn ́ curriculum development project. He is an official EU Expert on Intercultural Education, and has worked as a consultant to the Ministry of Youth, Education and Sport, Czech Republic, on projects relating to the development of a European dimension in the curriculum and to the development of positive attitudes towards the Roma population.

Terry plays a major role in the development of language policy nationally. He is former President of the Association for Language Learning, was a member of the government’s National Languages Steering Group, and is a governor of CILT, the National Centre for Languages. In 2008 he was appointed Chair of the Languages Diploma Development Partnership by the Secretary of State for Education, Ed Balls. In 2009, Terry was awarded the title Chevalier dans l'ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French prime minister for services to languages and European culture, in particular French.