1st Edition

Sexual Identities in English Language Education Classroom Conversations

By Cynthia D. Nelson Copyright 2009
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    254 Pages
    by Routledge

    What pedagogic challenges and opportunities arise as gay, lesbian, and queer themes and perspectives become an increasingly visible part of English language classes within a variety of language learning contexts and levels? What sorts of teaching practices are needed in order to productively explore the sociosexual aspects of language, identity, culture, and communication? How can English language teachers promote language learning through the development of teaching approaches that do not presume an exclusively heterosexual world?

    Drawing on the experiences of over 100 language teachers and learners, and using a wide range of research and theory, especially queer education research, this innovative, cutting-edge book skillfully interweaves classroom voices and theoretical analysis to provide informed guidance and a practical framework of macrostrategies English language teachers (of any sexual identification) can use to engage with lesbian/gay themes in the classroom. In so doing, it illuminates broader questions about how to address social diversity, social inequity, and social inquiry in a classroom context.

    Preface

    Acknowledgments

    Prologue

    PART I
    Introduction

    Chapter 1: Queering Language Education

    PART II
    Teacher's Perspectives

    Chapter 2: Teaching Multisexual Student Cohorts

    Chapter 3: Engaging with Gay and Lesbian Themes

    Chapter 4: Tackling Homophobia, Heterosexism, and Heteronormativity

    Chapter 5: Negotiating Sexual Identities in the Classroom

    PART III
    Inside Three Classes

    Chapter 6: ‘Not Animal in the Zoo’: Tony’s Class

    Chapter 7: Invisible Outings: Gina’s Class

    Chapter 8: Foreign Meanings: Roxanne’s Class

    Part IV
    Conclusion

    Chapter 9: Framing sexual diversity as a pedagogic resource

    Appendix A: Teachers Quoted

    Appendix B: Transcribing Key

    Appendix C: Students Quoted or Mentioned

    References

    Index

    Biography

    Cynthia D. Nelson

    "This book will be indispensible for educators contemplating the facilitation of sexual literacy, whether that learning takes the form of language lessons, sexuality education programmes, or teachable moments across the curriculum…Most refreshing of all is the constructive and expert advice of Cynthia Nelson, who succeeds in identifying realistic and exciting guidelines for the task [of integrating topics of sexual diversity into lessons]."--Journal of Language, Identity & Education, 9:2, 159-162