Books by John Field

Rethinking the Second Language Listening Test argues that the key to more valid testing of second language listening lies in a better understanding of the nature of the skill and of the signal that listeners have to decode.

Field names are not only interesting in themselves, but also a rich source of information about the communities originating them. This is a pioneering history, by the author of the standard Dictionary of Field Names.

Lifelong learning has become a mantra, but what does learning mean and do in the lives of adults? This title shows that learning is multi-faceted and complex; and also shows how learning helps people to strengthen and develop their sense of self, and assume a greater degree of control over their lives.

The first in-depth study of Britain's many work camp systems. -- .

This book challenges the orthodox approach to the teaching of second language listening, which is based upon the asking and answering of comprehension questions. The book's central argument is that a preoccupation with the notion of 'comprehension' has led teachers to focus upon the product of listening, in the form of answers to questions, ignoring the listening process itself. The author provides an informed account of the psychological processes which make up the skill of listening, and analyses the characteristics of the speech signal from which listeners have to construct a message. Drawing upon this information, the book proposes a radical alternative to the comprehension approach and provides for intensive small-scale practice in aspects of listening that are perceptually or cognitively demanding for the learner. Listening in the Language Classroom was winner of the Ben Warren International Trust House Prize in 2008.