The use of metadrama as the organizing principle for introductory college classes on Spanish Golden Age theater is discussed. Four categories of metadrama are the play within the play, the ceremony within the play, role playing within the role, and literary and real-life reference within the play. Examples are provided. (21 references) (LB)

Discusses five directions for integrating the notion of communicative competence in foreign-language instruction: functional orientation, focus on semantic notions, cyclical progression, inclusion of rhetorical device and discursive authenticity, and systematic treatment of language variation. (EKN)

Beginning students of English as a second language want to have a natural use of the language to get things done, express thoughts, and get information. Most English learners have to invent an interlanguage to express time, because most language courses focus only on the present tense at first. A cyclical approach to grammar instruction allows the…

Current popular texts are reviewed to suggest which are most useful in teaching word order in introductory Russian. Recommendations are also made about how and when to introduce word order, intonation, and sentence stress within the course. (MSE)

This strategy notebook is designed as a resource for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) and literacy education. It consists of a series of class activities and recommendations for instructional materials contributed to the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) by experienced ESL and literacy teachers. The first section…

A unit designed to provide more exposure to geography in the foreign language classroom has as its objective to make geography more real to the students, and it assumes little fore-knowledge of the target country. The activities outlined are to be used for five to twenty minutes in daily classes over an extended period of time, about four weeks,…

A one-week Elderhostel course in survival Spanish focused on introducing students to the basic sound system and enough basic structure and vocabulary items to enjoy travel. Experiences with material selection and student receptiveness are outlined. (MSE)

Evaluates a multimedia instructional package for an introductory course in "survival" Japanese. The learning modules consist of dramatic video episodes of real-life situations in Japan, complemented by functional pattern drills and listening activities. Examines features, strengths, and weaknesses of the program. (MSE)

Discusses the development and implementation of a series of culture units for use in elementary German courses. Describes a typical unit, which consists of a set of slides with accompanying text, outlining presentation strategies and class activities. Finally, analyzes the results of a course evaluation by students. (MES)

Use of poetry is recommended as a means of making French phonetics instruction more interesting and rewarding, and some classroom activities and techniques are outlined. The role of phonetics in current language-teaching methodologies is examined, and special considerations for beginning-level language instruction are discussed. (MSE)

The French as a Second Language model tests for beginning levels 1, 2, and 3 were designed to evaluate students' language performance, as outlined in the program of studies for Alberta, Canada, in listening and reading comprehension and oral and written production, communication skills, culture, language and general language knowledge. The tests…

The text of a classroom lesson on the distribution and use of the Portuguese language in African countries, written in Portuguese and containing an explanation of and practice in using the definite article with African place names, is presented. The lesson is accompanied by vocabulary notes in the margin, a list of questions on the text, and a mpa…

Learning to communicate is important for today's foreign language student, and it is important to provide meaningful communicative experiences in writing as well as speaking the language. A letter exchange between peers can provide a meaningful and exciting writing experience for lower-level students. While not entirely without problems, arranging…

Describes a method of lesson planning that allows teachers of multisectional introductory college language classes room for modification and individualization but at the same time ensures that all class sections are working toward the same goal. (EKN)

Outlines an oral interview format and scoring system for use with foreign language students during their first and second semesters of language study. (EKN)