Practice in a Second Language: Perspectives from Applied Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology

Practice as a necessity for learning a second language has been a tacit assumption among language teachers for quite some time; however, the concept has not been widely considered from a theoretical perspective until now. This volume of twelve original articles focuses on the topic, with attention to the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The contributors explore a number of questions including what kind of practice is most effective, in what contexts, and for what kinds of learners. This text will serve as a valuable resource and reference for second-language educators and researchers alike.

Contents:

Introduction : Situating the concept of practice / Robert M. DeKeyser 
Input in the L2 classroom : an attentional perspective on receptive practice / Ronald P. Leow 
Output practice in the L2 classroom / Hitoshi Muranoi 
Interaction as practice / Alison Mackey 
Feedback in L2 learning : respoonding to errors during practice / Jennifer Leeman 
A cognitive approach to improving immersion students' oral language abilities : the awarenee-practice-feedback sequence / Leila Ranta and Roy Lyster 
Second language education : practice in perfect learning conditions? / Kris Van den Branden 
Meaningful L2 practice in foreign language classrooms : a cognitive-interactionist SLA perspective / Lourdes Ortega 
Study abroad as foreign language practice / Robert M. DeKeyser 
Age-related differences and second language learning practice / Carmen Muñoz 
Aptitudes, abilities, contexts, and practice / Peter Robinson
Conclusion : the future of practice / Robert M. DeKeyser.