The Intentional Dynamics of TESOL

Juup Stelma; Achilleas Kostoulas

Published by De Gruyter Mouton 2021

The Intentional Dynamics of TESOL

Juup Stelma and Achilleas Kostoulas

https://doi.org/10.1515/9781501511165

Overview
Contents

About this book

This book presents intentional dynamics, which is a new perspective on TESOL contexts, activity and outcomes.The key innovation is a synthesis of complex systems and ecological theories, as well as the concept of intentionality from the philosophy of mind, to understand the psychological and social processes of TESOL. One aspect of intentional dynamics is the ‘ordinary’ intentions of individuals to perform particular actions, and of organisations to achieve planned outcomes. Another aspect is philosophically defined psychological and social forms of intentionality. Psychological intentionality is understood as what language learners' and teachers' (and other stakeholders') beliefs and emotions are ‘about’ or ‘directed at’. Social intentionality is the ‘aboutness’ expressed by TESOL materials, curricula and policies. The book explores how intentional dynamics both emerge from and give shape to TESOL activity, and outlines what are the practical implications of intentional dynamics for TESOL learners, teachers, researchers, managers and policy-makers.

Author information

Juup Stelma, The University of Manchester, UK; Achilleas Kostoulas, University of Thessaly, Greece.

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Reviews

Stelma and Kostoulas have enriched the potential of the partnership between complex dynamic systems and ecological theories by contributing the concept of intentionality. Importantly, their model of intentional dynamics places meaning and meaning-making at the heart of an ecological and complex dynamic systems account of TESOL. The authors don’t stop with theory. They illustrate the power of their model in exemplifying four different contexts and types of activities, reinterpreting them through the lens offered by their model and thereby making a case for its versatility. In so doing, they demonstrate its real-world relevance to the TESOL teaching and research community. In addition to conceiving of language learning as intentional becoming, their understanding affords a critical-intentional perspective on power, freedom, and agency to counter injustice—a perspective that is much-needed in the world today.

Diane Larsen-Freeman, Professor Emerita of Education and of Linguistics, University of Michigan

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	I
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	V
List of Figures Publicly Available Download PDF	IX
List of Tables Publicly Available Download PDF	XI
List of Abbreviations Publicly Available Download PDF	XIII
Chapter 1. Introduction Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Part A: Developing the model of intentional dynamics
Chapter 2. Everything is connected: Ecological theory Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	19
Chapter 3. Everything is dynamic: Complex dynamic systems theory Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	35
Chapter 4. Meaning is primary: Intentionality Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	52
Chapter 5. A model of the intentional dynamics of TESOL Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	68
Part B: Exemplifying the model of intentional dynamics
Chapter 6. Individual intentionality: Language teachers becoming researchers Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	89
Chapter 7. Shared intentionality: Task-based activity in a young learner classroom Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	106
Chapter 8. Derived intentionality: A Greek private language school Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	126
Chapter 9. Sociocultural aspects of TESOL as an intentional ecology Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	144
Part C: Extending the model of intentional dynamics
Chapter 10. Language learning as intentional becoming Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	165
Chapter 11. A critical-intentional perspective for TESOL Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	185
Chapter 12. Researching intentional dynamics in TESOL Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	200
Chapter 13. Intentional dynamics and the future of TESOL Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	225
References Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	243
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	267

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter Mouton
Audience: Researchers, Students
Pages
- Front matter: 13
- Main content: 270
Illustrations
- Illustrations: 10
- Tables: 11
Keywords: TESOL; Intentionality; Ecological Theory; Complex Systems Theory

eBook

Published: April 19, 2021
ISBN: 9781501511165

Hardcover

Published: April 19, 2021
ISBN: 9781501517204

Paperback

Published: December 19, 2022
ISBN: 9781501520884