
Group Work for Language Learning
Harnessing the Power of Group Dynamics
Paul Leeming(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 24. August 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
168 pages
978-1-041-00215-4 (ISBN)
Description
This text guides language teachers how to implement group work in the classroom as well as providing a summary of key research into the theory behind the psychology of group dynamics and language learning.
Beginning with a rationale for groupwork and its central importance in acquiring language, the book covers key issues such as how groups should be formed, how long a group should work together, what kind of roles students will have, and the kinds of tasks that are particularly effective when completed in groups. Each chapter discusses a key question that teachers must answer when using groups, and summarizes current research from psychology on the topic, and research in the field of SLA, where available. Leeming then provides practical ideas for using groups effectively in the language learning classroom. To aid teachers at the end of each chapter there are discussion questions and suggestions for further reading to prompt the reader to consider their own classroom and how the concepts discussed may apply.
Given the prevalence of groupwork in the language classroom, this practical guide for language teachers wanting to implement groupwork in their own classroom will be a must-read.
Beginning with a rationale for groupwork and its central importance in acquiring language, the book covers key issues such as how groups should be formed, how long a group should work together, what kind of roles students will have, and the kinds of tasks that are particularly effective when completed in groups. Each chapter discusses a key question that teachers must answer when using groups, and summarizes current research from psychology on the topic, and research in the field of SLA, where available. Leeming then provides practical ideas for using groups effectively in the language learning classroom. To aid teachers at the end of each chapter there are discussion questions and suggestions for further reading to prompt the reader to consider their own classroom and how the concepts discussed may apply.
Given the prevalence of groupwork in the language classroom, this practical guide for language teachers wanting to implement groupwork in their own classroom will be a must-read.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, and Undergraduate Advanced
Illustrations
1 s/w Tabelle, 9 s/w Abbildungen, 9 s/w Zeichnungen
1 Tables, black and white; 9 Line drawings, black and white; 9 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-00215-4 (9781041002154)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
Taylor & Francis
€39.49
Not yet available
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
Taylor & Francis
€39.49
Not yet available

Book
approx. 08/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Not yet published
Person
Ian Paul Leeming is a Professor in the School of Economics at Kinki University, Japan and an Adjunct Professor in Temple University, Japan.
Content
1. Why should we use groups?
2. How should we form groups?
3. What roles will students have?
4. How can we make a group cohesive?
5. What kind of activities and approaches work best in groups?
6. What is the teacher's role in the group-centered classroom?
7. How do we resolve conflict in groups?
8. What have we learnt and what do we need to research?
2. How should we form groups?
3. What roles will students have?
4. How can we make a group cohesive?
5. What kind of activities and approaches work best in groups?
6. What is the teacher's role in the group-centered classroom?
7. How do we resolve conflict in groups?
8. What have we learnt and what do we need to research?