Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Practice as a necessity for learning a second language has been a tacit assumption among language teachers for quite some time; however, the concept has not been widely considered from a theoretical perspective until now. This volume of twelve original articles focuses on the topic, with attention to the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The contributors explore a number of questions including what kind of practice is most effective, in what contexts, and for what kinds of learners. This text will serve as a valuable resource and reference for second-language educators and researchers alike." (Publisher's Website)

CONTENTS Introduction: Situating the concept of practice / Robert M. DeKeyser

I. Foundations
Chapter 1. Input in the L2 classroom: an attentional perspective on receptive practice / Ronald P. Leow
Chapter 2. Output practice in the L2 classroom / Hitoshi Muranoi
Chapter 3. Interaction as practice / Alison Mackey
Chapter 4. Feedback in L2 learning: responding to errors during practice / Jennifer Leeman

II. Institutional Contexts
Chapter 5. A cognitive approach to improving immersion students' oral language abilities: the awareness-practice-feedback sequence / Leila Ranta and Roy Lyster
Chapter 6. Second language education: practice in perfect learning conditions? / Kris Van den Branden
Chapter 7. Meaningful L2 practice in foreign language classrooms: a cognitive-interactionist SLA perspective / Lourdes Ortega
Chapter 8. Study abroad as foreign language practice / Robert M. DeKeyser

III. Individual Differences
Chapter 9. Age-related differences and second language learning practice / Carmen Munoz
Chapter 10. Aptitudes, abilities, contexts, and practice / Peter Robinson
Conclusion: the future of practice / Robert M. DeKeyser