4.What are the points of concern of methodology?

The points of concern of methodology include:

a.the study of the nature of language skills(eg.reading,writing,speaking,listening)and procedures for teaching them

b.the study of the preparation of lessons plans,materials,and textbooks for teaching language skills

c.the evaluation and comparison of language teaching methods(eg.the Audiolingual Method)

d.such practices,procedures,principles,and beliefs themselves.(Richards,et al,1985:177)

5.Apart from a mastery of a foreign language,what other knowledge should a foreign language teacher have in order to do his/her job well?

He/she should have some knowledge about the related subjects such as linguistics,psychology and pedagogy.He should also know that a lot of variables influence classroom teaching.Factor like foreign language education policy,the goal of foreign language education,learners,teachers,syllabus,teaching method,teaching materials teaching aids,and assessment and evaluation all influence classroom teaching.If a teacher does not know them he would not be able to teach according to the circumstances and would achieve the best results possible.

6、In what sense can an understanding of the context of education contribute to language teaching and learning?

Teaching and learning a foreign language inevitably involves relationships between different aspects of life,and teaching English successfully is not just a question of method.Other things influence English language teaching(ELT)greatly.Refer to the nine variables discussed in the text.

7.Why do we say assessment has great backwash effects on foreign language teaching and learning?

Both positive and negative backwash effects.Assessment can provide teachers with feedback for lesson planning and remedial work.Students can also get information about their learning and progress,therefore have a sense of achievement.Through assessment they get to know their problems and areas for further study and improvement.However,inappropriate assessment can cause worries,discourage weak students,emphasis on grades instead of on abilities and competence,etc.