To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Theory and Methods for Developing Superior Second Language Ability addresses an important issue in Second Language Acquisition—how to help learners progress from Intermediate and Advanced proficiency to Superior and beyond. Due to the pressures of globalization, American society encounters an ever-increasing demand for speakers with advanced language abilities. This volume makes available cutting edge research on working memory and cognition and empirical studies of effective teaching. In addition it can serve as a practical handbook for seasoned and pre-professional instructors alike. The bringing together of the latest in second language acquisition theory, decades of empirical research, and practical classroom application makes for an unprecedented volume examining the achievement of Superior-level foreign language proficiency.

Tony Brown is a professor in the department of German and Russian at Brigham Young University. He has published articles in the Foreign Language Annals, Modern Language Journal, Russian Language Journal, and Language Policy.

Jennifer Bown is a professor in the department of German and Russian at Brigham Young University. Her articles have appeared in such journals as Language Teaching, Foreign Language Annals, Modern Language Journal, and Innovation in Language Teaching and Learning.

"Richly informed by the experiences of professionals who have devoted much of their careers to the topic, the contributions assembled in this volume offer to readers a varied palette of insights, practical know-how, and differential recommendations regarding the development of superior second-language abilities."

Introduction: Past Context, Present Focus, Future Directions: Shifting Focus from Intermediate Skills in Classroom Training to Advanced/Superior and BeyondCynthia L. Martin

Part One: Defining Characteristics of High-level Language Learning and Learners

1. Experience with Higher Levels of ProficiencyBetty Lou Leaver and Christine Campbell

2. L1, L2, and Cognitive Development: Exploring RelationshipsDan Dewey, Ray Clifford, and Troy Cox

Part Two: Approaches to Maximizing Language Gain at Home and Abroad

3. Developing Superior Language Proficiency and Analytical Skills for the Federal WorkforceDeborah Kennedy and Christa Hansen

4. Advanced Foreign Language Study through DebateTony Brown, Jennifer Bown, and Dennis L. Eggett

5. Chinese for Special Purposes: Individualized Instruction as a Bridge to Overseas Direct EnrollmentMatthew B. Christensen and Dana S. Bourgerie

6. Taking on the “Ceiling Effect” in ArabicR. Kirk Belnap and Khaled Abuamsha

7. The Development of L2 Proficiency and Literacy within the Context of the Federally Supported Overseas Language Training Programs for AmericansDan E. Davidson

Part Three: Future Directions in Assessment, Program Design, and National Policy

8. From Proficiency to Expertise: Using HR Evaluation Methods to Assess Advanced Foreign Language and Culture AbilityPatrick McAloon

9. Professional Language Skills: Unprecedented Demand and SupplyRichard D. Brecht, William P. Rivers, John P. Robinson, and Dan E. Davidson

10. Expanded Understandings and Programmatic Approaches for Achieving Advanced Language AbilityFrederick H. Jackson

Conclusion: To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Charting a New Course in the Twenty-First CenturyTony Brown and Jennifer Bown

Contributors

Index