Considering Emotions in Critical English Language Teaching
Groundbreaking in the ways it makes new connections among emotion, critical theory, and pedagogy, this book explores the role of students’ and teachers’ emotions in college instruction, illuminating key literacy and identity issues faced by immigrant students learning English in postsecondary institutions. Offering a rich blend of, and interplay between, theory and practice, it asks:
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- How have emotions and affect been theorized from a critical perspective, and how might these theories be applied to English language teaching and learning?
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- What do complex and shifting emotions, such as hope, disappointment, indignation, and compassion, have to do with English language teaching and learning in the neoliberal context in public universities?
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- How might attention to emotions lead to deeper understanding of classroom interactions and more satisfying educational experiences for English language teachers and students?
These questions are addressed not just theoretically, but also practically with examples from college classes of assigned readings, student writing, and classroom talk in which various emotions came into play. Thought-provoking, accessible, and useful, this is a must-read book for scholars, students, and teachers in the field of English language teaching.
Sarah Benesch is Professor of English at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York, where she teaches linguistics courses to undergraduate and graduate students. She also coordinates the ESL program in the CSI English department. Her publications are devoted to applying critical theory to English language teaching. Her 2001 book, Critical English for Academic Purposes: Theory, Politics, and Practice, questioned the neglect of the sociopolitical context in English for academic purposes and offered extended examples of critical EAP praxis. In addition she has published numerous book chapters and articles in such journals as TESOL Quarterly, English for Specific Purposes Journal, the Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, and the Journal of English for Academic Purposes.