Summaries of 1 book by Jeremy Harmer, available in English. Read AI-generated key ideas and takeaways, or generate your own.
1 SummaryBritish
Jeremy Harmer is a British author, teacher, and teacher trainer renowned for his contributions to the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). Born in 1947, he has significantly influenced ELT methodology through his numerous textbooks and professional development materials. Harmer pursued his studies in English and Drama at the University of East Anglia. His career began with teaching English in Mexico City, after which he returned to the United Kingdom to continue teaching and to train other language educators. His work consistently emphasizes practical, communicative approaches to language instruction, focusing on effective classroom techniques and learner-centered methodologies. Harmer's publications are utilized globally by English language teachers and students, making him a prominent figure in ELT. In addition to his academic work, he is also a musician and songwriter.
Notable works: The Practice of English Language Teaching, How to Teach English, The English Language Teacher's Handbook, Just Reading, Just Listening and Speaking, Essential Teacher Knowledge
“Good teaching is not just about methodology; it is about personality, belief, and passion.”Reflecting on the qualities of effective teachers beyond mere techniques.
“The best teachers are often those who are still learning themselves.”Emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development and reflection for educators.
“Language learning is not just about knowing things; it's about being able to do things.”Highlighting the shift from a knowledge-based to a skills-based, communicative approach in language teaching.
“Students need to feel safe to make mistakes. It's part of the learning process.”Discussing the importance of creating a supportive and low-affective-filter classroom environment.
“Variety is not just the spice of life; it's the spice of language teaching.”Advocating for diverse activities and approaches to maintain student engagement and cater to different learning styles.