A Critique of a Masterpiece Reflecting upon English Teaching

Gradually,  Harmer’s(1991) book The Practice of English Language Teaching , which was designed as a tool for teachers of English around the world, leads you into the realm of language teaching and learning, and provides you with helpful tips as regards how to teach, how students learn and how to be successful in class management.

Not only can you gain some insight into “the main theories and trends that have informed the practice of English language teaching over the last decades” (p. 31), but you can also have the possibility to obtain a detailed explanation of relevant issues, such as: skills, grammar, pronunciation and motivation.

This valuable resource might be seen as outdated by some people; however, it should be recognized that, in spite of the fact that it was published in 1991, it still serves the purpose of giving teachers hints on how to handle different levels of students and how to help learners perform well in the second language.

Despite the fact that this book is still a useful instrument for teachers nowadays, it is worth noting that in order to meet the challenges of the 21^st century, the inclusion of topics related to technology (computers, mobile phones and so forth) is a key factor to be considered by the author for future versions so as to be even more helpful with  “[teachers] who constantly seek to enrich their understanding of what learning is all about and what works well ” (p. 243). 

Although this book needs updating as regards technology, most of this material, which makes a significant contribution to the field of pedagogy with respect to English teaching, ought to be taken into consideration both by experienced teachers and those who have just entered the teaching profession, because it should be seen as refreshing by the former and as a valuable guide by the latter. 

All in all,  Harmer´s (1991)  masterwork fulfils the requirements of teachers when they are in search of help. This book assists educators  with respect to teaching techniques, students’ motivation, learners’ needs and all those aspects and problems that teachers have to tackle during the teaching process.                   

                                                                   References

Harmer, J. (1991). The Practice of English Language Teaching  (2^nd ed.).  London, UK: Longman.