TEACHING MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES. A handbook for teachers. By Carol Morgan and Peter Neil. Kogan Page pound;15.99 pbk.

These are challenging times for modern languages educators, whether trainees, trainers, mentors or teachers. Trainees have to meet nationally prescribed standards; assessment and appraisal of performance are an established fact of life; and languages are declining in popularity. But there are positive developments.

In reflecting this tension, the authors of this accessible and practical handbook have pulled off that rare trick of combining the theoretical and the down to earth, of simplifying the complex and, crucially, of laying solid foundations for informed and effective professional practice.

Four key sections cover the history of language teaching and the current situation; practical teaching; key issues of research and debate; and future developments. The authors demystify second language acquisition theory, autonomous learning and diversification and analyse trends in language take-up, before giving an exposition of the MFL national curriculum. At the end of each chapter the “links to teaching standards” remind the reader of the relevance of the unit covered.

The section on classroom practice offers guidance on planning and discipline, followed by crisp summaries of resources, physical and human, ICT and assessment. The approach is unstuffy, with plenty of sub-headings, short paragraphs and bullet points.

With the essential framework of teaching skills firmly established, the reader is invited to engage with more thorny contemporary issues within the profession: equal opportunities and special needs; use of the target language; learner strategies and grammar; and MFL teaching at primary level.

The chapters on future developments point to exciting possibilities in the area of content and language integrated learning and the potential for a more coherent view of methodology as represented in the Council of Europe framework.

Finally, there is eminently pragmatic advice on applying for first jobs and interview technique, as well as guidance on professional development.

This volume will provide all the background and practical detail required of today’s modern languages teacher.

Nigel Norman

Nigel Norman is lecturer in education at the University of Wales Swansea