Group Work for Language Learning: Harnessing the Power of Group Dynamics

Group work is used extensively in general education, and particularly in the language classroom where interaction is an essential part of learning another language. This text guides language teachers on how to implement group work in the classroom as well as providing a summary of key research into the theory behind the psychology of group dynamics and language learning.

Beginning with a rationale for group work and its central importance in acquiring language, the book deals with some of the main questions faced by teachers who are thinking about using small group work in their own teaching contexts. What are the benefits of small group work? How should I form small roups in my own classroom? What should I do when students are working together in small groups? These and other questions are addressed by referring to research in general psychology and education, and also looking at research conducted in the language classroom.

To aid teachers, there are discussion questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter to
prompt the reader to consider their own classroom and how the concepts discussed may apply. Given the prevalence of group work in the language classroom, this practical guide for language teachers wanting to implement group work into their own classroom is a must-read.

Paul Leeming is a professor at Kindai University, Japan and also teaches graduate courses in TESOL for Temple University Japan. He has taught at various levels in Japan for more than 25 years. His research interests include small group work, motivation and task-based language teaching.