Describes attempt to give English-as-a-second-language students the opportunity to practice their English in a relaxed but productive way. Gives example of a conversational leaflet developed to guide conversation. (Author/BK)

Issues regarding the development of student's speaking skills and English as a second language (ESL) techniques designed to improve the teaching of conversation are described. Ten true and false assumptions about the teaching of conversation are considered: (1) everyone enjoys talking and participating in class discussion; (2) discussion topics in…

This approach utilizes a communications model, individual and group problem-solving activities and class discussion for mastering communication skills. Understanding communications principles and feeling secure in the classroom are essential. Students also deliver short informative and demonstration talks to prepare them for content area class…

Turn-taking in language classroom discourse is analyzed in order to discover patterns of instructional teacher-pupil exchange. It is concluded that traditional modes of second language instruction (especially in English as a second language) tend to stifle student initiative. Since students rarely have the opportunity to open an exchange, it is…