Second Language Task Complexity

Researching the Cognition Hypothesis of language learning and performance

Editor
Peter Robinson | Aoyama Gakuin University
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ISBN 9789027207197 | EUR 99.00 | USD 149.00
 
PaperbackAvailable
ISBN 9789027207203 | EUR 33.00 | USD 49.95
 
e-Book
ISBN 9789027290274 | EUR 99.00/33.00*
| USD 149.00/49.95*
 
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Understanding how task complexity affects second language learning, interaction and spoken and written performance is essential to informed decisions about task design and sequencing in TBLT programs. The chapters in this volume all examine evidence for claims of the Cognition Hypothesis that complex tasks should promote greater accuracy and complexity of speech and writing, as well as more interaction, and learning of information provided in the input to task performance, than simpler tasks. Implications are drawn concerning the basic pedagogic claim of the Cognition Hypothesis, that tasks should be sequenced for learners from simple to complex during syllabus design. Containing theoretical discussion of the Cognition Hypothesis, and cutting-edge empirical studies of the effects of task complexity on second language learning and performance, this book will be important reading for language teachers, graduate students and researchers in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and cognitive and educational psychology.
[Task-Based Language Teaching, 2] 2011.  xii, 345 pp.
Publishing status: Available
Table of Contents
“This collection documents a broad spectrum of recent work motivated by the CH [Cognition Hypothesis] that seeks to inform theory and practice in task-based language teaching.
Each section offers unique perspectives on task complexity, establishing its relevance to L2 instruction. These insights from a range of experts add to the volume’s overall quality. This book should therefore find a wide audience among graduate students, language teachers, and researchers.”
“This book is a timely contribution to the debate on task complexity and it also provides empirical evidence for the importance of task complexity in predicting L2 development. Most of the results reported in the different chapters are in line with Robinson’s CH [Cognition Hypothesis]. However, when the findings do not follow the predictions of the CH, the authors provide a critical discussion of their results and open new questions to the debate on task complexity and its operationalization. This book is a key reading not only for researchers in the field of applied linguistics or cognitive psychology, but also for teachers and those interested in educational psychology.”
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Subjects

Main BIC Subject

CFDC: Language acquisition

Main BISAC Subject

LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General
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U.S. Library of Congress Control Number:  2011022620 | Marc record