Stimulating Student Interest in Language Learning

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. Interest: Definitions and Theories

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

      PDF

   2. Introduction (‘Interest’ as a New Conceptual Lens)

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 3-11

   3. ‘Interest’ and Other Similar Terms

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 13-26

   4. Defining ‘Interest’: An Educational Psychological Perspective

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 27-47

   5. Studying ‘Interest’: Approaches and Methodological Issues

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 49-79

3. Exploring the Interest Construct with Reference to Second Language Learning/Teaching

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 81-81

      PDF

   2. ‘Interest Talk’ with English Language Teachers/Educators

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 83-125

   3. ‘Interest Talk’ with English Language Learners: In-Class and Out-of-Class Experiences

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 127-151

   4. ‘Interest Talk’ with English Language Learners: ‘Same’ Class, But ‘Different’ Interest Trajectories and Experiences

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 153-207

   5. Features of Interesting English Language Classes: The Role of Teacher Talk

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 209-271

4. Stimulating Student Interest in Language Learning: Applying Theory and Research to Inform Teaching and Practice

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 273-273

      PDF

   2. Stimulating Student Interest in Language Learning

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 275-315

   3. Conclusion (‘A Final Call’)

      • Tan Bee Tin

      Pages 317-321

5. Back Matter

   Pages 323-329

   PDF

This book explores the issues and concerns many language teachers have in not just helping able students to learn a foreign or second language but more importantly how to get reluctant learners to become interested in language learning. Tin proposes ‘interest’ as an important construct that requires investigation if we are to understand second language learning experiences in a modern globalised world. The book offers both theoretical explorations and empirical findings arising from the author’s own research in the field. Chapters demonstrate how various theoretical and empirical findings can be applied to practice so as to raise the awareness of the importance of interest in language learning and teaching. For teacher trainers and educators, researchers, and practising language teachers, this comprehensive study provides tools to stimulate student interest in language learning for successful language learning.

• situational interest
• motivation
• affect
• SLA
• teacher education
• teacher talk

“The book is a monograph based on a longitudinal qualitative study investigating student interest in institutional language learning. I believe the book will be most relevant to graduate students and researchers. … The major strength of this book I believe is that it applies theorizing from areas other than language learning to investigate interest in language learning. … I believe this book is a welcome addition to the literature and provides some deep insights into the concept of student interest.” (Lindy Woodrow, tesol Quarterly, Vol. 52 (4), December, 2018)

“This book is a worthwhile contribution to the literature on English language teaching, for researchers, teacher educators … . It brings together as never before the research and theory of the central topic from a wide range of sources, and shows how it applies to ELT. The content is presented in a well-organized sequence, with regular reader-friendly summaries and conclusions. There are some thought-provoking practical suggestions.” (Penny Ur, ELT Journal, Vol. 71 (4), October, 2017)

• The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

  Tan Bee Tin

Tan Bee Tin started her career as an English language teacher in Myanmar/Burma. She has widely published in international journals (e.g. Applied Linguistics, Language Teaching Research, ELT Journal), focusing on language learning and teaching in peripheral contexts and the role of interest and creativity in language learning and teaching.

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