From the positivity, encouragement and warmth of the introduction to the myriad of immediately usable practical ideas, Independent Thinking on MFL is the book I would love to have had when I began my teaching journey.

It is so easy to dip in to, and the words safe, respectful and supportive which Crista uses to describe the ideal classroom climate could encapsulate how the reader is likely to feel while reading it: safe, respected and supported.

Faced with the challenges of constantly changing governmental decisions, timetabling cuts and now acknowledged harsh marking at GCSE, life as an MFL teacher can seem tough at times. In this book, however, Crista calms and reassures us by sharing her empathetic, practical and encouraging approach.

Whether you are an NQT or a more experienced MFL teacher, the encouragement and practical ideas contained within this book will ignite, or reignite, your passion for the increasingly essential job of teaching modern foreign languages. - Kathy Elliott, MFL teacher

Crista's work is well known and recognised within the language teaching community, so to see her crystallise her ideas into Independent Thinking on MFL is a very welcome sight. She brings to the book a wealth of classroom experience and an unsurpassed depth of background reading and knowledge, which is well communicated throughout.

The various components of language teaching pedagogy and methodology are broken down into smaller pieces, complete with in-depth analyses of the issues and barriers to learning. Crista then proposes a wealth of strategies to address these issues all rooted in classroom practice, and many of which require little in the way of burdensome preparation.

There is a thread running throughout the book which reinforces the notion that language is a gateway to the culture of the country whose language is being studied. This is further emphasised in a welcome section on creativity, which examines the roles played by art, music and film in the language learning process.

Crista also shares some down-to-earth practical advice on working with other contributors to the learning experience, such as teaching assistants and foreign language assistants, and a consideration of how to approach teaching languages to pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

One of the challenges that language teachers continually face is defending the worth of their subject in the face of stiff competition from other subjects. Very often the perception is that languages are hard and of limited use ( I m never going to France, so why am I learning French? ), but Crista tackles this head-on and gives a very useful analysis of the problem, along with strategies to address it.

In summary, Independent Thinking on MFL will be a welcome addition to the CPD library of any MFL department. It is very accessible, and reading it is like having a conversation with Crista. Her personality, dedication to the task and enthusiasm shine through the text. I found myself repeatedly nodding in agreement. As an NQT I would have found the book invaluable, and I m sure that current and future cohorts of new entrants to the profession will find it of immense support as a vade mecum through the trials and tribulations of the best job in the world teaching languages. - John Connor, independent MFL consultant

If you think this book is simply about how to teach modern foreign languages, then you are in for a very pleasant surprise as this is a practical guide with bells on!

Crista takes you on an inspirational journey that not only offers advice and guidance for the MFL classroom teacher but also shows how important a teacher's method is to their craft. Using a values-driven approach, and drawing on years of experience, she is able to take you on a voyage with practical advice, techniques and a whole load of thinking and reflection.

This is a book about great teaching for teachers of all children, no matter what your specialism or phase is. Read it, use it and allow it to make a difference to the way you think and the way you work. - David Whitaker, Director of Learning, Wellspring Academy Trust

Independent Thinking on MFL is a superb, practical and eminently sensible book which straddles lots of current dichotomies. It draws on both traditional and progressive approaches, is equally rooted in research and in practice, advocates the centrality of knowledge while highlighting the need to develop skills and wider learning, and is as much child-centred as it is subject-centred. It really is a book for anyone interested in teaching international languages and offers much to those simply interested in learning.

Crista Hazell has pulled off quite a coup with this book. It is a manifesto for modern languages, a really useful handbook full of advice, hints, tips and techniques, and an insight into relevant research and support all wrapped in a warm, personal and engaging style. - David Cameron, education consultant, The Real David Cameron Ltd

Any book with a chapter entitled The awesome power of lucky socks is bound to catch a teacher's eye. In Independent Thinking on MFL Crista draws on a wealth of personal experience and combines it with overwhelming positivity, a clear sense of purpose and lots of common sense. The book is bursting with ideas and practical suggestions for MFL teachers and will make a great addition to the bookshelf for new and experienced teachers alike! - Professor Anna Lise Gordon, Director, the Institute of Education at St Mary's University, and former president of the Association for Language Learning