Focus on Special Educational Needs

Focus on Special Educational Needs explores the characteristics of effective classroom instruction for language learners aged 5 -18 with special educational needs. It guides teachers and other educational practitioners to combine their multiple perspectives in providing balanced, coordinated, cohesive, and comprehensive approaches to serve these learners. The authors present a framework for developing inclusive learning environments which are culturally and linguistically responsive, based on socio-cultural and strengths-based perspectives. Research studies along with examples from real classrooms are highlighted to illustrate collaborative practice in action.

Each title in the series includes:

• Spotlight Studies, highlighting important research on learning and teaching
• Classroom Snapshots, featuring descriptions of teachers and students engaged in different approaches to learning and teaching
• Activities, encouraging comparison and reflection

These research-led instructional guides link the theories of second language acquisition and pedagogy with classroom practice, enabling teachers to reflect on what happens in the language classroom. The series editors, Patsy M. Lightbown and Nina Spada, are highly respected worldwide for making theory and research about language learning accessible and relevant to classroom teaching.

Oxford Key Concepts for the Language Classroom focuses on key topics for teaching English as a second or foreign language. These instructional guides are informed by research in second language acquisition and language pedagogy, and show the relevance of theory to the practising teacher.

This series is for teachers of English as a second or foreign language for learners aged 5-18. It is suitable for students working towards MA TESOL, graduate certificate, or diploma qualifications, and for practising teachers’ professional development programs.