My top 7 ELT books for teachers’ professional development

Top 7 ELT Books for Professional Development

In curating my list of the top 7 English Language Teaching (ELT) books, I kept the needs of English language teachers at the forefront of my mind.

Drawing from my experience as a supervisor and teacher trainer, along with numerous class observations and post-lesson discussions (PLDs), I identified what teachers truly seek in terms of resources and recommendations to enhance their teaching practices.

Through these experiences, I gleaned a valuable insight: teachers prioritize practical guidance on language teaching over dense theoretical principles. While acknowledging the significance of theoretical frameworks in teaching, they crave actionable suggestions to tackle everyday challenges in the classroom.

With this understanding in mind, I present seven indispensable resources tailored to meet these needs.

Seven must read English teaching books

Here are 7 ELT books for teachers you must read:

1. Learning Teaching: The Essential Guide to English Language Teaching [With DVD]

“Learning Teaching” stands as a practical cornerstone in English language teaching, originally published in 1994. Its practical orientation renders it an exceptional resource for both novice educators undergoing initial training and seasoned ELT instructors alike.

The third edition underwent significant revisions and restructuring to incorporate recent advancements in ELT practices. Additionally, it now offers a supplementary DVD showcasing a complete lesson demonstration alongside practical teaching techniques.

2. The practice of English Language Teaching (with DVD)

“The Practice of English Language Teaching” serves as an exhaustive reference guide for educators of English as a second or foreign language. Balancing practicality with theory, this esteemed book delves into the latest methodologies and language theories. Its fifth edition reflects the evolving landscape of language teaching, incorporating new developments in the field.

Offering a gateway to contemporary pedagogy, it equips teachers with the tools to integrate the most pertinent ELT practices into their lessons effectively.

It’s a must-read book.

3. Planning Lessons and Courses: Designing Sequences of Work for the Language Classroom

“Planning Lessons and Courses” serves as a pragmatic handbook, addressing the common questions encountered by teachers in their daily lesson and course planning endeavors.

Not only does the book shed light on pertinent issues in English language teaching, but it also provides in-depth analysis, practical principles, and sample activities related to the topics at hand.

Each chapter serves as a treasure trove of practical wisdom for both ESL and EFL instructors, offering invaluable insights to enhance their teaching practices.

4. How To Teach English (with DVD)

“How To Teach English” by Jeremy Harmer serves as a foundational guide to English language instruction, emphasizing practical considerations. Designed for self-study, it covers essential topics such as effective teaching methods, characteristics of successful learners, and strategies for improving classroom dynamics.

Subsequent chapters delve into specific teaching techniques, with a focus on the four language skills. Additionally, the book provides insights on textbook utilization, lesson planning, and managing unforeseen classroom disruptions.

For each chapter, a range of tasks is provided to stimulate debate and further thought.

5. Five-Minute Activities: A Resource Book of Short Activities

“Five-Minute Activities” offers a compilation of over 100 innovative ideas tailored for the foreign language classroom. This indispensable resource provides language teachers with a plethora of short yet impactful activities designed to seamlessly integrate learning objectives with student engagement and enjoyment. The versatility of these activities allows for easy adaptation to various proficiency levels, with additional suggestions provided for enhancing or extending each activity. Notably, many of these activities empower students to take the lead in their learning journey.

6. The New A-Z of ELT: A dictionary of terms and concepts used in English Language Teaching

“The New A-Z of ELT” is an indispensable reference guide for English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals. This comprehensive dictionary compiles a wide array of terms and concepts commonly used in the field of ELT, offering clear and concise explanations for educators and practitioners. From pedagogical techniques to theoretical frameworks, this resource provides valuable insights into the diverse aspects of English language instruction, making it an essential companion for both seasoned educators and those new to the field.

7. Practical English Language Teaching Teacher’s Text Book (A Course in English Language teaching

“Practical English Language Teaching” presents a comprehensive and accessible exploration of language-teaching strategies and methodology. Aimed at both novice educators seeking foundational knowledge and seasoned professionals in search of innovative ideas, this book offers a wealth of guidance and inspiration.

Covering essential aspects of language-teaching methodology in a clear and non-trivial manner, it serves as an invaluable resource for educators at all levels of experience. In conclusion, if you believe there’s another book that deserves a spot on this list, don’t hesitate to share your recommendation!

Another practical book!