Teaching Languages to Students with Specific Learning Differences

This book is intended to help language teachers to work effectively and successfully with students who have Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs). It enables teachers to gain a thorough understanding of the nature of SpLDs and how these affect both general learning processes and the mechanisms of second language acquisition. In addition, the book explores the particular inclusive methods and techniques of teaching and assessment that foster success in language learning. Language teaching is embedded in a wider social and educational context, and therefore the book also provides an in-depth discussion of general educational issues related to identifying and disclosing disabilities and to making transitions from one institution to the other. The content has been thoroughly updated and revised for the second edition, particularly in the areas of inclusive pedagogies, new evidence-based methods and tools for identifying SpLDs, and new conceptualisations of neurodiversity. The book also includes the latest research on assessment, transition and progression, and the impact of SpLDs on additional language learning. Contents 5 Preface 9 1 Discourses of Disability in Education 11 2 What Are Specific Learning Differences? 27 3 The Impact of SpLDs on Learning Additional Languages 55 4 Identification and Disclosure 79 5 Inclusive Language Teaching 99 6 Techniques for Inclusive Language Teaching 123 7 Assessment of the Language Skills of Language Learners with SpLDs 153 8 Transition and Progression 175 Appendices 195 References 199 Index 231