"This collection of original articles provides a state-of-the-art overview of key issues and approaches in contemporary language teaching. Written by internationally prominent researchers, educators, and emerging scholars, the chapters are grouped into five sections: rethinking our understanding of teaching, learner diversity and classroom learning, pedagogical approaches and practices, components of the curriculum, and media and materials. Each chapter covers key topics in teaching methodology such as reflective pedagogy, teaching large classes, outcomes-based language learning, speaking instruction, and technology in the classroom. Chapters assume no particular background knowledge and are written in an accessible style"-- "As a consequence of the growing demand for effective English programs, language teaching professionals are engaged in a continual review and evaluation of their assumptions and practices. The emergence of approaches such as reflective teaching, task-based pedagogy, genre theory, and action research are examples of how the language teaching profession undergoes periodic waves of renewal and paradigm shifts as it continually reinvents itself through the impact of new ideas, new educational philosophies, new technology, and new research findings. The present volume seeks to document such changes through a comprehensive overview of current approaches and practices in language teaching"--