Best Books for EFL Educators
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”
Welcome to our best books for EFL teachers page! This section is dedicated to sharing the books that have profoundly impacted my EFL teaching journey. Each book listed here has been selected for its ability to enhance teaching practices and enrich classroom dynamics. If you're on the hunt for innovative teaching methodologies, captivating activities for your students, or simply seeking inspiration to elevate your EFL teaching, you've come to the right place. Let's collaborate to bring our EFL teaching to new heights. Thank you for visiting!
“Practical English Usage, Fourth Edition” by Michael Swan is a book that helps understand and teach English better. It explains the rules of English grammar, words that often confuse people, and how to use words correctly. The book is organized in a way that makes it easy to find answers to specific questions about English.
“English Grammar All You Need to Know” by Bas Aarts is a comprehensive short but dense book that covers contemporary standard British and American English. It explains the rules of English grammar clearly, giving a multitude of examples.
“Teaching American Pronunciation” by Peter Avery and Susan Ehrlich is a valuable resource because it covers the sounds of American English, including how to pronounce them and common mistakes people make. It also gives practical advice on teaching the sounds to others that can help their students speak more clearly and sound more like native speakers.
"Teaching English as an International Language" by Sandra Lee McKay is a book that explores the global use of English and how it can be taught as an international language. This book emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse ways English is used around the world and suggests teaching methods that are inclusive of this diversity. It encourages teachers to go beyond traditional approaches that focus on native-speaker norms and to embrace a more global perspective of English.
"Sociocognitive Perspectives on Language Use and Language Learning," edited by Rob Batstone, explores how social interaction and cognitive processes influence the way people use and learn languages. This book combines insights from sociology and cognitive science to present a comprehensive view of language learning. It suggests that learning a language is not just about memorizing words and grammar rules but involves understanding how language is used in real social contexts and how our minds work to absorb and use language.
"Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning," edited by James P. Lantolf, is a collection of essays that examine how learning a second language is influenced by social and cultural factors, based on the sociocultural theory originated by Vygotsky. This theory argues that human intelligence and learning are fundamentally shaped by social interactions and the cultural context. The book applies these ideas to second language learning, suggesting that language acquisition is not just an individual endeavor but also a social one, deeply embedded in the learner's social environment and cultural experiences.
"Context and Culture in Language Teaching" by Claire Kramsch explores the important role that context and culture play in language teaching and learning. Kramsch argues that language cannot be separated from the cultural and contextual environment in which it is used. this book provides a comprehensive guide to incorporating cultural context into language teaching. It encourages teachers to go beyond traditional language instruction that focuses mainly on linguistic competence. It highlights the point that understanding the cultural nuances, social meanings, and historical background of language use is as important as learning grammar and vocabulary.
"The Psychology of Second Language Acquisition" by Zoltán Dörnyei is a valuable resource that can transform an educator’s approach to teaching. Dörnyei explores the motivation, personality traits, and cognitive processes that influence how individuals acquire a second language. They discuss various psychological theories and how they apply to the process of language learning, emphasizing the role of individual differences and the importance of a supportive learning environment.
"Understanding Second Language Acquisition, Second Edition" by Rod Ellis is a comprehensive guide that delves into the complex process of how people learn a second language. Ellis covers a wide range of topics, including the different theories of second language acquisition, factors that influence language learning, and the relationship between language learning and teaching. The book is grounded in research and theory but also discusses practical implications for language teaching.
“Conversational Interaction in Second Language Acquisition”, edited by Alison Mackey, is a comprehensive book that explores the role of conversational interaction in learning a second language. The book compiles various empirical studies that demonstrate how interaction can facilitate language acquisition. It covers topics such as the importance of feedback during conversation, the use of questions and answers, and the role of tasks in promoting language learning. The studies presented in the book utilize a range of methodologies and focus on different aspects of language learning, emphasizing the practical implications for teaching and learning second languages through interactive methods.
"100 Ways to Teach Language Online: Powerful Tools for the Online and Flipped Classroom Language Teacher" by Shane Dixon is an essential guide for educators adapting to the digital era of language teaching. This book great strategies, tools, and activities specifically designed for teaching languages in an online or flipped classroom setting. It addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by online education, providing practical advice on how to engage students, facilitate interaction, and make the most of digital resources to enhance language learning.
"100 TESOL Activities: Practical ESL/EFL Activities for the Communicative Classroom" by Shane Dixon is a hands-on guide designed for teachers who want to make their English language teaching more interactive and focused on communication. The book provides a wide range of activities that encourage students to use English in real-life situations and engage in meaningful conversations. These activities are crafted to suit different skill levels and cater to various learning styles, ensuring that every student can participate and benefit.
