The use of the learning task as a basic planning and instructional tool for communicative second language instruction is discussed, and considerations and procedures for designing such tasks are outlined. A task is defined as a piece of classroom work that involves learners in comprehending, manipulating, producing, or interacting in the target…

An approach to teaching the paradigmatic and reciprocal uses of the "se" construction in Spanish is presented. A system of eight basic categories of the paradigmatic reflexives is outlined, including "do-it-yourself," reciprocal, reflexive of change, consumer, reflexive of interest, optional, change of meaning, and reflexive-only classifications.…

The instructional designer in language instruction can choose a central function (e.g., describing) and build a teaching unit around it. The process involves choosing a situation that best displays the core function, determining possible secondary functions, discussing the personalities involved, and determining the formality or familiarity of the…

A need exists for a large fund of short, disconnected video materials designed specifically for rapid selective access and for use either in the classroom or the language laboratory, starting at the earliest stages of instruction. A theoretical model for creating these materials could be the language learner in public places in the target culture,…

Principles and techniques important in the integration of real communication skills and practice in classroom activities within a student-centered curriculum are outlined and discussed. The need for a classroom environment promoting real communication is stressed, and materials design principles are noted. The role of explicit grammar instruction…

Concern is expressed that computer-assisted instruction may quickly become obsolete unless courseware reflects current trends in language learning. Current courseware is criticized as structure-bound and reflecting the 1960s audiolingual approach and for using computer-generated enhancements to cover up essentially trivial exercises. Work done at…

Teacher prepared taped exchanges of realia between foreign language classes and classes of speakers of the target language provide language lessons through personal contact similar to those gained through a trip to the country of the target language. Sample lessons offer linguistic, cultural, and practical guidelines for implementing such a…

This article discusses the value of the notional-functional approach to language teaching and considers some sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and linguistic features of the notional-functional syllabus. (CFM)

Strategies for designing and teaching graduate-level courses in English for special purposes (ESP) to Thai students are outlined, based on a course taught in one institution. An approach that integrates language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and stresses communicative competence is recommended, with English used as the medium…

Discusses the guidelines adopted in writing a 1980 English language textbook designed for business professionals and following the functional principles. Emphasizes the communicative skills approach implemented through situations and activities relevant to the business world, and describes the receptive and productive skills exercises provided in…

A guide to the adaptation of oral proficiency testing for classroom language instruction contains excerpts of projects by participants in an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) workshop. The excerpts are examples of proficiency based curricula and materials designed to personalize instruction and simulate real-life…

The guide for developing curricula and instructional materials is intended for use in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction and instruction in other second/foreign languages. It presents an overview of the course designer's task and some available techniques. First, assessment of educational needs and relevant societal factors is…

A collection of papers, all by the author, looks at a variety of theories and theoretical approaches from linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics and their applications to the teaching of English as a second language. Two studies are also presented. Titles include: "Content Schemata and Second Language Learning";…

Papers from a seminar on instructional materials for second language teaching include the following: "Co-Operative Language Learning: What's News?" (Ted Rodgers); "Principles of Communicative Task Design" (David Nunan); "Teaching Spoken English in the Non-Native Context: Considerations for the Materials Writer" (Mary…

This document consists of the two annual volumes of a regional TESOL journal published during 1998 and 1999. The two volumes contain the following articles: "Strengthening the Bridge: A High School-University Partnership" (Robin Murie); "'Ch'emyon' in the EFL Classroom" (James H. Robinson); "The Changing Artwork of the…