Matthew E. Poehner

This book is a unique and up-to-date look at a series of empirical projects organized around the principles and concepts of sociocultural theory. Applied linguistics professors James P. Lantolf and Matthew E. Poehner address three broader topics framed within the principles and concepts of Vygotskian sociocultural theory: concept-based language instruction, dynamic assessment, and teacher education. The chapters report on empirical studies focusing on learner development of abilities in English, Spanish, Japanese, and French. Specific sections also investigate grammar instruction, literacy, translanguaging, a hidden dimension of oral proficiency assessment, computerized assessment, the role of emotion in teacher development, use of drama and play to promote language development, pragmatics, and more. An innovative analysis of sociocultural theory and its implications, the book will also be of interest to those exploring applied linguistics, language development, language pedagogy and assessment, and teacher development.

Sociocultural Theory (SCT), as formulated by Russian psychologist L. S. Vygotsky nearly a century ago, is distinct among traditions in the field of second language (L2) studies in its commitment to praxis. According to this view, theory and research provide the orienting basis for practice, which in turn serves as a testing ground for theory (Vygotsky, 1997). This Element offers a synthesis of foundational concepts and principles of SCT and an overview of two important areas of praxis in L2 education: Concept-Based Language Instruction, which organizes language curricula around linguistic concepts, and Dynamic Assessment, a framework that integrates teaching and diagnosing learner L2 abilities. Leading approaches to L2 teacher education informed by SCT are also discussed. Examples from studies with L2 teachers and learners showcase praxis in action, and emerging questions and directions are considered.

Sociocultural Theory (SCT), as formulated by Russian psychologist L. S. Vygotsky nearly a century ago, is distinct among traditions in the field of second language (L2) studies in its commitment to praxis. According to this view, theory and research provide the orienting basis for practice, which in turn serves as a testing ground for theory (Vygotsky, 1997). This Element offers a synthesis of foundational concepts and principles of SCT and an overview of two important areas of praxis in L2 education: Concept-Based Language Instruction, which organizes language curricula around linguistic concepts, and Dynamic Assessment, a framework that integrates teaching and diagnosing learner L2 abilities. Leading approaches to L2 teacher education informed by SCT are also discussed. Examples from studies with L2 teachers and learners showcase praxis in action, and emerging questions and directions are considered.

Explicating clearly and concisely the full implication of a praxis-oriented language pedagogy, this book argues for an approach to language teaching grounded in a significant scientific theory of human learning—a stance that rejects the consumer approach to theory and the dichotomy between theory and practice that dominates SLA and language teaching. This approach is based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, according to which the two activities are inherently connected so that each is necessarily rooted in the other; practice is the research laboratory where the theory is tested. From the perspective of language education, this is what is meant by the ‘pedagogical imperative.’ Sociocultural Theory and the Pedagogical Imperative in L2 Education• Elaborates a new approach to dealing with the relationship between theory and practice—an approach grounded in praxis—the dialectical unity of theory and practice• Presents an analysis of empirical research illustrating praxis-based principles in real language classrooms • Brings together cognitive linguistics and sociocultural theory - the former provides the theoretical knowledge of language required of praxis and the latter furnishes the theoretical principles of learning and development also called for in a praxis approach• Offers recommendations for redesigning teacher education programs Its timely focus on the theory-practice gap in language education and its original approach to bridging it put this book at the cutting edge of thinking about Vygotskian sociocultural theory in applied linguistics and SLA.

Explicating clearly and concisely the full implication of a praxis-oriented language pedagogy, this book argues for an approach to language teaching grounded in a significant scientific theory of human learning—a stance that rejects the consumer approach to theory and the dichotomy between theory and practice that dominates SLA and language teaching. This approach is based on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, according to which the two activities are inherently connected so that each is necessarily rooted in the other; practice is the research laboratory where the theory is tested. From the perspective of language education, this is what is meant by the ‘pedagogical imperative.’ Sociocultural Theory and the Pedagogical Imperative in L2 Education• Elaborates a new approach to dealing with the relationship between theory and practice—an approach grounded in praxis—the dialectical unity of theory and practice• Presents an analysis of empirical research illustrating praxis-based principles in real language classrooms • Brings together cognitive linguistics and sociocultural theory - the former provides the theoretical knowledge of language required of praxis and the latter furnishes the theoretical principles of learning and development also called for in a praxis approach• Offers recommendations for redesigning teacher education programs Its timely focus on the theory-practice gap in language education and its original approach to bridging it put this book at the cutting edge of thinking about Vygotskian sociocultural theory in applied linguistics and SLA.

Dynamic Assessment (DA) reconceptualizes classroom interactions by arguing that teaching and assessment should not be distinct undertakings. This book offers a much-needed coherent framework for co-constructing a ZPD with learners in order to simultaneously reveal the full range of their abilities and promote development. DA has a long history in education but it is new to the L2 field. This book provides the first book-length treatment of DA in the language classroom.

Dynamic Assessment (DA) reconceptualizes classroom interactions by arguing that teaching and assessment should not be distinct undertakings. This book offers a much-needed coherent framework for co-constructing a ZPD with learners in order to simultaneously reveal the full range of their abilities and promote development. DA has a long history in education but it is new to the L2 field. This book provides the first book-length treatment of DA in the language classroom.