本書是專為外語教師及準教師編寫的一部關於外語教學基本理論及實踐方法的綜合性指導書籍。
本書涵蓋的內容也和其他同類書籍差不多：從語言能力的界定到外語學習的規律，從外語教學的原則和方法到四種基本技能的培養，從語言的文化背景到語言測試的設計，再到課堂教學的實施。這些話題都是外語教師們十分熟悉的。然而，正如它的標題——“在語境中教語言”明確提示的那樣，書中探討的是具體使用情境中的語言和語言教學的上述相關層面。換言之，“語境”是本書探討問題的前提，也是貫穿全書的一條基本線索。這一特征又使得本書與其他同類書籍十分不同，它極大地提高了本書的實用價值，拉近了這部著作與一線外語教師間的距離。

“聖智英語教師叢書”精選自聖智學習出版公司出版的當代語言教育 領域的力作，由當今國際語言教育界的權威人士編著，國內英語教育界專 家、學者撰寫導讀。叢書選題涵蓋外語教學理論、語言教學技能和實踐、 學法指導、課程設計、語言測試與評估、外語教學科研方法、師資發展、 語境和文化教學以及教學法等諸多領域，能夠滿足目前英語教師適應新課 改的迫切需要。本叢書既可用作英語教師專業化教育與發展和英語專業碩 士研究生教育的教材，同時也是語言教育研究者必備的參考書。

導讀
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 On Knowing a Language
Introduction
Defining Language Proficiency
Proficiency and Language Acquisition Theory
Some Research Findings about Oral Proficiency
Issues in Language Proficiency Assessment: Caveats, Clarifications, and New Directions
Defining the Content of Instruction: The Standards for Foreign Language Learning
Summary: On Knowing a Language
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
2 On Learning a Language
Introduction
Exploring Theories of Language Learning
The Role of Individual Learner Factors in Second-Language Learning
Relating Theory to Practice: Some Considerations
Summary: On Learning a Language
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
3 On Teaching a Language
Orienting Instruction toward Proficiency
The Proficiency Orientation of Existing Methodologies: A Preliminary Appraisal
Three "Traditional" Methods
Reactions to Audiolingualism: Two Mentalist Perspectives
A Functional Approach: Communicative Language Teaching
Modem Adaptations of the Direct Method
Humanistic Approaches to Language Teaching
Summary:. On Teaching a Language
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
4 The Role of Context in Comprehension and Learning
The Importance of Context and Background Knowledge in the
Comprehension Process: Some Theoretical Considerations
Research on the Role of Context in Comprehension
The Role of Computers in Providing Richer Contexts for Language Learning
Integrating Language and Content: Immersion and Content-Based Instruction
Summary: The Role of Context in Comprehension and Learning
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
5 A Proficiency-Oriented Approach to Listening and Reading
A Rationale for Teaching Listening and Reading
Similarities in Listening and Reading
Differences between Spoken and Written Discourse
Integrating Listening, Reading, and the Productive Skills: The Vision of
the Standards for Foreign Language Learning
Teaching Listening Comprehension
Sample Formats for Listening Comprehension
Teaching Reading Comprehension
Sample Formats for Reading Comprehension
Summary: A Proficiency-Oriented Approach to Listening and Reading
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
6 Developing Oral Proficiency
The Nature of Interlanguage
Planning Instruction for the Development of Oral Proficiency
Responding to the Learner
Summary: Developing Oral Proficiency
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
7 Becoming Proficient in Writing
Approaches to Teaching Writing at the Lower Levels of Proficiency
Expressive Writing at the Intermediate and Advanced Levels: Approaches to
Teaching the Composing Process
Summary: Becoming Proficient in Writing
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
8 Teaching for Cultural Understanding
Introduction
Problems in the Teaching of Culture
Definitions, Models, Inventories, and Frameworks: Capturing the Essence of "Culture"
Strategies for Teaching Culture
Summary: Teaching for Cultural Understanding
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
9 Classroom Testing
Introduction
The Case for Hybrid Classroom Tests
Characteristics of Test Items and Item Types
Listening Comprehension Formats
Reading Comprehension Formats
Writing and Mixed-Skills Formats
Guidelines for Creating Contextualized Paper-and-Pencil Tests
Testing Oral Skills
Summary: Classroom Testing
Appendix
Activities for Review and Discussion
References

Epilogue Planning Instruction for the Proficiency-Oriented Classroom
Setting Goals for a Proficiency-Oriented Program
Guidelines for Planning Lessons
Increasing Focus on Students' Interests
In Conclusion
Activities for Review and Discussion
References
Appendix A ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines--Speaking Revised 1999
Appendix B Sample Foreign Language Media Evaluation Criteria
Appendix C Samples of Error Coding Procedures for Written Work
Text Permissions
Index