This paper discusses the use of contemporary legends in the teaching of language and culture, specifically in English-as-a-second-language. Contemporary legends are a type of folk narrative, but unlike folk tales, they are believed to be true. They usually concern ordinary people who are known to the narrator, occur in familiar settings, and are…

Seventeen art activities are suggested for use in the intermediate-level class of English as a second language to review specific grammar points, provide conversation practice, and improve writing skills. In these art activities, students create their own visual aids and use them for a variety of language activities, such as: creating a family…

The background, research, development, and recommended use of a set of instructional materials for teaching listening comprehension to adult learners of English as a second language are outlined in detail. The materials were developed in response to a need for real-life language samples for use in teaching listening comprehension of English. A…

A description of the use of flowcharts in teaching students of English as a second language (ESL) to "map" dialogue for conversation begins with a review of the literature concerning the flowchart form and content. Conversational form and logic and the discourse chart designed by Mohr and adapted for this study are discussed. The classroom…

It is argued that field trips and related activities in and out of the classroom, especially when well-planned, have educational, social, and cultural value for students of English as a Second Language (ESL). They offer meaningful learning experiences, extra learning opportunities, and authentic language encounters with native English-speakers.…

Teaching activities useful in enriching the classroom teaching of English as a second language are compiled from the relevant literature. Many are adapted from sources concerned with the teaching of languages other than English. Separate sections present suggestions of specific group activities or games involving audiovisual materials, discussion…

A discussion of the use of drama in the foreign language classroom looks at the three common ways it is used: (1) the dramatic teacher, or methods in which the teacher's dramatic behavior involves the students in interesting communicative situations; (2) creative drama, in which activities focus on the students' involvement in spontaneous dramatic…

This master's thesis proposes that students experience optimal learning of a second language in a literature-based curriculum and when multiple methods of teaching are employed. The document includes a statement of the problems and challenges of second language learning, an overview of historical and theoretical aspects of teaching a second…

A teaching guide and series of exercises for high-intermediate or advanced English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction based on the movie "Witness" are presented. The materials are designed primarily to develop English listening and speaking skills and enhance awareness of American culture and the criminal justice system. The teaching…

It is proposed that a paradigm for training English-as-a-Second-Language teachers based on the educational philosophy of Paolo Freire would provide a more humanistic approach to the education of minority language groups. Freire's writings are reviewed, focusing on his plea for greater consciousness about the rights of others and the political…

A content-based curriculum in English as a Second Language (ESL) focusing on prenatal self-care is presented. The course was designed as a solution to the problem of inadequate prenatal care for limited-English-proficient Mexican immigrant women. The first three sections offer background information on and discussion of (1) content-based ESL…