Bill VanPatten is one of the leading figures in the field of second language acquisition and second language teaching. The book offers an up-to-date overview of six principles underlying contemporary communicative language teaching. Written in a conversational style, it addresses principles related to the nature of communication, the nature of language, how language is acquired, the roles of input and interaction, tasks and activities, and focus on form ("grammar"). Each principle is informed by decades of research yet all are presented in a manner accessible to veteran and novice educators alike.

This book is a must read for all interested in 21st century language teaching.

Special features:

• Foundational Readings
• Discussion Questions
• Food for Thought
• "I..." statements for self-assessment
• While We're on the Topic reflection boxes

Check out Bill VanPatten's podcasts Tea with BVP en TalkinL2.