Practicing Theory in Second Language Writing

Theory has been used widely in the field of second language writing, Second language writing specialists---teachers, researchers, and administrators---have yet to have an open and sustained conversation about what theory is, how it works, and, more important, how to practice theory. Practicing Theory in Second Language Writing features fourteen essays by distinguished scholars in second language writing who explore various aspects of theoretical work that goes on in the field.

The key issues addressed in Practicing Theory in Second Language Writing include the nature of theory in second language writing and the role theory plays in second language writing research, instruction, and administration; the possibility and desirability of developing a comprehensive theory or theories of second language writing; applications of theory, including the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of adapting theories from other areas of inquiry to second language writing research, instruction, and assessment; theorizing and building theory, including the ways in which second language writing teachers, researchers, and administrators develop theories of second language writing, what a theory of second language writing might look like; the relationship between the conceptual work of theorizing and data-driven theory building; practicing theory, including how second language writing teachers, researchers, and administrators might address theory; the practical issues of learning to work with theory; and the ways that theory informs instruction and administration as well as materials development.

Tony Silva is a Professor in the Department of English at Purdue University, where he directs and teaches courses in the Graduate Program in ESL and the ESL Writing Program. He co-edited the Journal of Second Language Writing from 1992 to 2007 and has served as the co-host of the Symposium on Second Language Writing since 1998. He has co-edited four books, co-authored another, and published his work in such journals as the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, College Composition and Communication, ELT Journal, Modern Language Journal, TESOL Quarterly, and Written Communication.