Self-instructional programs in the commonly taught languages are recommended for: (1) those who cannot get to classes, (2) classes with individual learner needs, and (3) learners advanced enough to take on self-directed tasks. The roles of teacher and learner in self-instructional programs are discussed. (JB)

Contrasting traditional with present-day views of language learners, discussion focuses on aspects of the so-called communicative revolution. The present-day view includes negotiating the materials and seeing learners as knowers, testers, communicators, and evaluators. A suggested reading activity involves comparing two slightly differing texts.…

An examination of the role of the principle players in second language learning--teachers, students, and instructional material developers--offers insight into the field of language pedagogy during a period of rapid technological change. All are living in a technologically changing environment but are all affected in different ways. Materials…

Proposes a method to be used in the language laboratory to develop audiolingual skills and at the same time give the student an active role in the use of the laboratory. (AM)

Discusses theories behind the shift in emphasis from drill to communication practice. Concludes that students' awareness of their learning process helps bridge this gap. Includes communication exercises promoting natural information exchange which motivate students to take responsibility for improving their communicative skills. (PMJ)

A teacher of English as a second language in a Japanese university found that despite large classes and time limitations, by changing four aspects of classroom instruction, the students increased their language capabilities and confidence. The four aspects are the teacher's role, the student's role, classroom materials, and student evaluation. The…

Offers a model which can be used to describe any given second language teaching method, as well as analyze different methods for their internal adequacy, similarities, and differences. (EKN)

With a view to reducing student dependence on teachers in English/English-as-a-Second-Language classes, the discussion directly addresses students on the active motivation and management of their learning. Teacher-student collaboration centers on needs analysis, performance contracts, evaluation, goal setting, and problem solving. Appendices…

This guide describes step-by-step the decisions necessary for designing a curriculum for learning world languages. There are eight chapters in four parts. Part 1, "Creating Curriculum," includes: (1) "Introduction to Wisconsin's Standards for Learning World Languages" (e.g., the vision of Wisconsin's standards); (2)…

Classroom communication in the second-language class is examined from an ethnographic perspective, highlighting the role of students in helping each other learn. Turn-taking, patterns of addressing teacher and peers, and different kinds of interaction that promote learning: cooperative; didactic; competitive; theatrical; personalized. (MSE)

The ways in which second language learners and teachers together can develop learners' ability to carry on conversation in the target language are examined. The discussion is based on the idea that practicing language skills, therefore creating opportunities to gain additional knowledge, is essential to continued learning, whereas using such…

Foreign language instruction should focus on developing in students a coordinated set of basic language learning skills, the acquisition of which would make it possible for the student to learn more than one language. Such an instructional package would fit well into the communicative approach to language instruction, and would provide a common…

This manual was developed, as a result of a state policy establishing high school graduation requirements for limited-English-proficient (LEP) students, to provide teachers with resources for improving instruction of the LEP population. The manual describes classroom strategies based on current theory and research on second language acquisition.…

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…

A discussion linking theory and practice in second language instruction focuses on ways of providing opportunities for meaningful interaction in language classrooms. The first part lays a theoretical foundation, looking at: the variety and evolution of instructional approaches from grammar-based to communicative; the classroom as environment for…