Page 30 - ELG2410 October Issue 492

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REVIEWS

Sarah Mercer and Herbert Puchta’s 101
Psychological Tips
Cambridge Handbook for Language Teachers
Cambridge University Press, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-00-934370-1
his title is number fourteen in the
growing series of easy-to-read pocket
editions from CUP, all written by ELT
Theavyweights such as Alan Maley,
Penny Ur and Jeremy Harmer.
Sarah Mercer and Herbert Puchta also
require little introduction; each are widely-
published in both ELT and the psychology
of learning. They have joined forces here
to draw on current research and theory of
psychology to provide practical tips to enable
small changes in approach that should lead
to positive outcomes both within and beyond
the language classroom.
The tips revolve around three areas
of influence: the language teacher’s own
personal psychology, that of their learners,
and that of their group as a whole. In order
to be included, the authors applied two key
criteria to each tip: they had to be relatively
small and quickly applied, and there had to be
concrete evidence in the research to indicate
previous beneficial outcomes of each.
As with all others in the series, this
title is relatively short; each of the tips is
covered concisely on a single page and a few
references are provided for the interested
reader to pursue. The authors state that the
tips may be read in any order, but recommend
covering Section A first; without the
teacher’s head being in a healthy place, much
less learning is likely to occur.
The book is organised around a core of six
areas of the psychology of language learning
and teaching.
Section A presents 21 tips for the
development of teacher wellbeing, an area the
authors feel is ‘a crucial but often overlooked
component of good practice’ (pages ix to x) as
the teacher’s emotional state tends to impact
on the whole classroom dynamic.
Tips here include focusing on strengths,
being a good colleague, planning one’s own
professional development and recognising the Section C deals with the socio-emotional me was contacting parents or caregivers with
signs of burnout. The section ends with the climate within the classroom in greater depth, good news and praise about the children they
suggestion to compile a personal wellbeing along with the diversity of group dynamics. deal with.
checklist based on the tips found most useful Tip 47 concerns regularly taking the The psychological tips in the final section
thus far; for example, do a random act of temperature of the group by asking learners on empowering learners includes two that
kindness once a week. to respond anonymously to questions such as can never be overestimated: encouraging
Section B focuses on ways the teacher can ‘How comfortable do you feel in the group?’ students to keep a portfolio so they can
lead a group of learners with compassion, and ‘Which aspect of classroom life would you reflect and detect progress, and—when
authority and skill. like to change?’ possible—embracing all learners’ languages
As it covers classroom management The remaining three sections focus solely by introducing translanguaging.
techniques and interpersonal skills, it on the learner. Section D introduces fourteen
would be of particular benefit to teachers tips to encourage learner engagement, such
new to the profession. Tip 25 is one to as introducing tasks that require prediction,
keep in mind at all times; this is devoted to regularly using stories, extending the wait
‘micromessages’, or the verbal or non-verbal time for learners to respond to questions, and Wayne Trotman is
acts of communication the teacher engages using cold-calling with care—i.e. encouraging a teacher educator
in, such as a single word or gesture that the less boisterous to answer. at Izmir Katip Çelebi
may affect the socio-emotional climate of Tips for improving learner self-esteem in University, Izmir,
the group. Section E include using peer feedback, and Turkey.
The importance of positive micromessages getting learners to embrace mistakes. For
cannot be overstated. school teachers, one other that appealed to
30 September 2024