This article suggests that to better prepare students for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) oral proficiency interview, it is up to instructors to see that these students are better prepared in oral, creative speech. Bridging exercises between dialogue memorization and personalized situations can be used to help…

Memorization and recitation of dialogues are an important part of English as a second language (ESL) courses. However, if the goal of using dialogues is to promote free conversation, the practice of reciting dialogues must entail more than the rote memorization of another's thoughts. Therefore, the talk-and-listen method is a good technique for…

Presents a language teaching method designed to increase communicative competence through an application of speech act theory and the use of dialogs and the source language. (AM)

To help close the gap between imitation of models and free expression, exercises are suggested, based on micro-dialogues with picture stories. Examples for pair and group work are given. (IFS/WGA)

The curriculum guide for a beginning level course in Kpelle for English speakers first offers 25 lessons designed for a 300-hour course. The materials, developed for classroom use, are suitable for use with a native Kpelle-speaking tutor, and suggestions for this application are offered. Each lesson is divided into three sections. The first…

Describes dialogues and songs used to teach listening comprehension. (SW)

An instructional technique for foreign language communicative learning involving incomplete visuals is discussed. Exercises using visual materials that require students to communicate to seek and obtain information that they do not already posses are illustrated. (SW)

Two elements of constructivist pedagogy warrant attention with respect to second language (L2) learning: collaborative dialogue and learner decision-making. These two elements in instruction bring about experiential and task oriented classrooms. The constructivist approach to the L2 classroom foregrounds conceptual development focused on…

Describes preception-oriented foreign language teaching strategies by listing the characteristic features of the perception of social processes and the methods for putting the principles of perception orientation into practice through such techniques as dialogues, roleplays, and simulation. Includes extensive bibliographic references. (PMJ)

The gap between the language that foreign language teachers present to their students in the classroom and the language of real-life situations is discussed. The use of dialogues in the classroom and oral comprehension as a learning activity are covered. (SW)

As a teaching aid in high school Italian courses, guidelines for the use of games, graphic projects, and puzzles are offered. Specific examples include word puzzles, mazes, a map of Italy, dialogues, and idiom exercises. (JB)

Discusses the types of materials that should be used in the foreign language classroom to teach students how to communicate in real-life situations. These materials are called "communication tasks." (CFM)

A guide to the use of role playing in the foreign language classroom outlines in general terms what role play is, provides examples, analyzes its uses, and gives practical assistance in planning activities. The following topics are examined: aspects of role behavior (formality, register, function, attitude, para-linguistic and extra-linguistic…

This teaching manual is designed for the Spanish language training of Peace Corps volunteers serving in Chile, and focuses on daily communication skills needed in that context. It contains 12 topical lessons outlining targeted language and communication competencies, suggested classroom activities, phrase and vocabulary lists, grammar and usage…

This guide is designed for the Arabic language training of Peace Corps volunteers serving in Tunisia and focuses on daily communication skills needed in that context. It contains 15 lessons, each made up of: a teacher's guide sheet, which outlines specific objectives, contents, and materials needed; a dialogue introducing the lesson's theme; a…