A Course in Language Teaching: Practice of Theory

'This may be Ur's magnum opus a remarkably comprehensive and valuable work that is (almost) a pick-it-up-and-run-with-it teacher training programme.' EA Journal 'This is a thought-provoking and resourceful text that seeks to do justice to the complexity of the processes we call teaching and learning ... ' EA Journal

'From Spoken English, Volume 30, 1997: "This is a very practical, user-friendly and 'active' book. The Course of the title might be made plural since its particular strength lies in the variety of ways and situations in which it can be used.' 'I have a feeling that this book will nourish teachers and trainers in many parts of the world for some time to come. In it, the author shares with readers the fruits of her life's work, her experience as a teacher and trainer - which has obviously not been 'one year's experience repeated twenty times'. The result is a book which will, I suspect, become an invaluable resource for every teacher trainer.' ELT Journal, 1997 'Comprehensive, intelligent, useful.' The English Speaking Union 'Once in a while, the new addition is not just a welcome addition but a real contibution to the profession, one that deserves a place of honor in every teacher trainer's and teacher's library ... You did it again Penny Ur and for that we are indebted to you!' English Teachers' Association of Israel 'The course is attractive and very comprehensive, stimulating and encouraging. The writer never abandons her reader; indeed she is always present and backs up every suggestion with a truly professional rationale." "I would recommend this book to prospective second-language teachers and teacher trainers. Experienced teachers too will refresh their knowledge. Choose a module that interests you and believe me, in a few days you will have updated your teaching competence.' Modern English Teacher, 1998

'A Course in Language Teaching ... it provides a broad and accessible introduction to many of the most important features of classroom language teaching, and many of the units and associated tasks would make excellent pre-session input. Most importantly, it encourages thought and reflection, and takes trainee teachers further into underlying principles than do some of its predecessors (e.g. Hubbard et al (1983) or Doff (1988)). As such, it will undoubtedly prove a valuable resource for language trainers and trainees alike.' LABCI T-T SIG, 1996 'These tasks are authentic, challenging and well designed. Both novice and experienced teachers will find them extremely helpful in enriching their professional knowledge as well as sharpening their teaching competence." "A Course in Language Teaching is an excellent reference book for foreign language teachers, offering stimulating insights and practical suggestions for both classroom application and personal professional growth.' SYSTEM, 1997

'This is a powerful book to be used in both pre-service and in-service settings, where there is a resource-person - a trainer - or where self-study is the approach to depend on. It is definitely excellent value for money! THE REVIEW CORNER strongly recommends A COURSE IN LANGUAGE TEACHING PRACTICE AND THEORY for both in-service (University and Politecnico) and in-service teacher training (acces de Formacao, self-study, cooperative study). PENNY UR's stimulating insights from her personal experience as a teacher-trainer will work as an inspiration for one's own professional and personal development.' APPI Newsletter, 1996

'I was both gladdened and saddened by this book. Saddened because I missed this book when I was a trainee and had to find a lot of these things out for myself without much guidance in the process; gladdened because this book means - I hope - that teacher training now has a comprehensive and up to date introduction to what matters in ELT.' VVLE, 1997 'This splendid book is presumably familar by now to all readers of The Teacher Trainer. I have used it repeatedly over the last year and continue to find in it fresh sources of pleasure. ... It is remarkably compendious and delightfully direct, personal and candid.' The Teacher Trainer, Vol 12, No. 3. Autumn 98 'Through the stimulating tasks she has illustrated that reflective thinking will enable new teachers to function competently and to let this be an on going activity throughout one's career. Her honest, sensitive and realistic approach has allowed potentially idealistic aims become achievable.' Arlene Gilpin M.Ed Bristol University, 1996