The ecology of language learning: Practice to theory, theory to practice

Abstract

In this presentation I will look at language learning from an ecological perspective, an approach that focuses primarily on the quality of learning opportunities, of classroom interaction and of educational experience in general. Important pedagogical principles in an ecological approach are the creation of ecologically valid contexts, relationships, agency, motivation and identity. Each of these concepts will be examined and illustrated from a practical and a theoretical perspective, using data from a variety of contexts. In ecology, practice and theory are closely interrelated, and they are dynamic and emergent, never finished or absolute. Both are based on principles that are powerful and enduring, once teachers and learners make them their own.