Problems in teaching English suprasegmental features, particularly stress differences, to Malay speakers are described. A small research project at Universiti Brunei Darussalam suggests that the SIL Speech Analysis System is useful in teaching phonetics and improving students' pronunciation. (Contains six references.) (LB)

The group discussion test has gained prominence as a measure of oral interaction skills in second-language learning. This article reviews test types and administration, the communicative nature of the test, development of criteria and rating scales, and advantages. A sample rating scale is appended. (Contains 15 references.) (LB)

Role of repetition in language outside the classroom is discussed and applied to the language classroom context. It is argued that repetition continues to be highly relevant to language learning but that it needs to be placed in the context of an activity with motivational power and one in which repetition itself is not the obvious aim. (16…

The problem of devising a course in business communications for students of English as a Second or Foreign Language is addressed. A way to approach course design in general is described, using creative problem solving and decision making and a partial linguistic analysis of business writing. (one reference) (LB)

Reasons for Indonesian students' reluctance to practice English are discussed, including absence of classroom follow-up activities. Some teaching/learning principles are noted, followed by some conversation teaching techniques (e.g., using humor, rhymes/songs, and interviews). (Contains 10 references.) (LB)

Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most complex aspects of both theory and practice of foreign language teaching and learning. A content-based approach to curricular development is advocated that incorporates four elements: starter (brainstorming), treatment, "good language learner" awareness training, and critical analysis. (Contains…

Current newspaper articles are used in the form of a weekly short quiz in advanced English reading classes at Nara University of Education. The quiz focuses on the articles' immediacy as a motivating factor for Japanese students who have lost some motivation after passing the university entrance examinations. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

In multiracial, multireligious Singapore, English is the official language, but a cultural awakening suggests the need for new approaches. Methods are suggested for teaching culture within a language context, and ways to teach about marriage in different cultures are presented. (Contains eight references.) (LB)

"Taiguu hyoogen," which refers to expressions chosen to express levels of politeness and formality in Japanese, is described as a requirement for socialization and a key component in language teaching. Pedagogical implications are discussed. (Contains 17 references.) (LB)

It is argued that linguistics is relevant to the teaching of English despite the prevailing skepticism about its usefulness. The relationships between linguistics and language pedagogy are explained. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

The place of literature in the foreign language classroom is described, and the effectiveness of the short story is noted. Suggestions are offered regarding selection criteria, classroom activities, oral activities, role play, oral comprehension, and a variety of written exercises including sequencing and writing dialog. (Contains seven…

Organization of a language teacher's time and space encompasses such aspects as the room, spatial noise, furniture, equipment, time, lessons, and student motivation. (CNP)

The basic ideas of communication theory related to language teaching are outlined, including communication models and channels, distortion and "noise," message awareness and decoding, and feedback. Ways are suggested for helping students to become aware of communication in language use and to communicate more effectively. (Contains nine…

Interview data gathered from students in a New Zealand English-as-a-Second-Language program form the basis of a discussion of autonomous behavior in language learning. It is noted that autonomous language learning has advantages over teacher-dominated learning but that it cannot simply be "clipped on" to existing programs. (Contains…

Management skills are important in teaching young learners. Time spent in planning and organizing routines and systems--e.g., group and pair work routines--pays off once these become familiar. It is then possible to delegate simple responsibilities to the learners and concentrate on working with and monitoring those most in need. (Contains two…