A Cognitive Approach to Language Learning

Oxford Applied Linguistics

by Peter Skehan

This book addresses issues such as the relation of form to meaning, the relevance of SLA research, and the validity of task-based learning. It also contrasts universalist accounts of language learning and individual differences between learners.

Genres: Teaching, Language, Linguistics

Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Peter Skehan (PhD, Birkbeck College, University of London) has worked as a Professor at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, London; the University of Auckland; Chinese University of Hong Kong; King’s College London; and Thames Valley University.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather difficult to read (not sure if that's the fault of the writer or the reader) and rather repetitive, but gave me some ideas to think about. In particular, that when you set tasks for students it's important to think about whether they develop fluency, accuracy or complexity, and to make sure there's a balance so their language development doesn't become skewed. The easiest way to modify a speaking task to orient it more towards accuracy and complexity rather than fluency is to give students time to prepare. Kind of obvious in a way, but something I'd like to do more consciously in future.

The book also argues for the idea that you can't really 'teach' new language, but can only create fertile conditions such that students have the opportunity to learn it. We only really learn new structures etc when we notice a combination of a gap in our own knowledge and a necessity to fill that gap for communicative purposes.

Another body of research it explores is about the characteristics of those which have a natural talent for languages (a good memory seems to be the most important factor, rather than other cognitive skills), and the importance of understanding learning styles.

There may have been some other interesting stuff as well that I'm not remembering now. Planning to be consciencious and look through the book again and make some notes!

[Nestor]

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[Iqrahashmi]

its a good subject