This text guides language teachers 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 groupwork and its central importance in acquiring language, the book covers key issues such as how groups should be formed, how long a group should work together, what kind of roles students will have, and the kinds of tasks that are particularly effective when completed in groups. Each chapter discusses a key question that teachers must answer when using groups, and summarizes current research from psychology on the topic, and research in the field of SLA, where available. Leeming then provides practical ideas for using groups effectively in the language learning classroom. To aid teachers at the end of each chapter there are discussion questions and suggestions for further reading to prompt the reader to consider their own classroom and how the concepts discussed may apply.
Given the prevalence of groupwork in the language classroom, this practical guide for language teachers wanting to implement groupwork in their own classroom will be a must-read.