This chapter is from How Languages are Learned e-book.

Unlike many introductions to the field of language acquisition research, How Languages are Learned does not assume that you are already familiar with research methods or theories. Its clear, readable style and absence of unnecessary technical jargon has helped to make it a standard text for trainee teachers throughout the world.

There are evaluations and case studies so that you can see a practical context for the research ideas you are reading about. Many of these examples are taken directly from real first and second language classrooms. The new Activities feature provides opportunities for you to think through the research being discussed. The chapter ends with Questions for Reflection which draw on your experiences of language learning and teaching and your critical thinking skills to revise the chapter content.

Extra resources, including Supplementary Activities, Discussion Questions, Chapter Summaries, and video interviews with the authors are available online at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/hlal.