In this commentary, we describe the English language placement adaptations we were required to make due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a brief description of our placement test battery which was adapted to address our institution's move to a remote teaching/learning mode. A discussion of the major challenges we experienced, their…

Describes a simulation activity that has most of the features of a real situation. Discusses how this activity worked in the language classroom. (Author/VWL)

Researchers have highlighted various benefits of the simulation-based approach to second language (L2) writing instruction. In this article, the author argues, with specific pedagogical scenarios, that an explicit focus on genre and genre analysis in simulation-based L2 writing instruction can further enhance learners' reading of content…

Describes several strategies designed to increase audience participation in role play and simulation activities in the foreign language classroom, including audience feedback, role switching, voting, instant replay, cultural discussion, audience direction, press conference, and class soap opera. These strategies make the role play more productive…

When used to teach in a strictly instructional mode, as the language laboratory was, computers have limited application. However, when used for student manipulation during the learning process, the computer can enrich and diversify existing resources, increasing student exposure to materials. Moreover, this can be done with inexpensive, smaller…

Illustrates the potential of simulation techniques for the teaching of German as a foreign language at the beginner's level. Reviews arguments for the use of simulations in language teaching, suggests a step-by-step procedure for using simulations, and presents a set of ready-to-apply simulation scripts on the topic of eating and drinking in a…

Argues that fictitious roles and situations, particularly if too far removed from the students' experiences, contribute to the failure of role-playing activities as a teaching technique in second language classes. Offers an alternative view of role-taking and eight principles to guide teachers in their selection and adaptation of role-play…

Discusses a procedure for individualizing foreign culture and language study. Students create a fictional autobiography of themselves in a foreign culture by adapting what they are learning to four simulated conditions: the physical, social, genetic, and temporal conditions which affect the life and personality of each individual in a culture.…

Argues that using simulations designed for purposes other than teaching English as a foreign language offers a way to enlist full participation on a "language-generating" activity, thereby encouraging language acquisition as opposed to learning. Gives an example of one such simulation with a set of guidelines for running it. (SED)

Role playing differs from the more static teaching technique of simulation in its incorporation of originality and theatricality. From preparation to presentation, it is important to retain the element of play, avoid techniques of or tendencies toward psychodrama, and hold the pedagogical or evaluative purposes in mind. (MSE)

Describes a learner-generated learning plan. The content of the program comprises two phases: student as editor/publisher in which learners create their own course text based upon selections of already-published materials; and students as author/publisher, in which learners use a publication-house simulation to develop, organize, investigate,…

Simulated commercial transactions as teaching tools have the elements of commercial products, channels of communication, parties, and status of the parties to teach professional relations and processes as well as useful language. They can be used to motivate and stimulate active participation and for language practice. An example is given. (MSE)

Discusses a comprehensive approach to teaching business Chinese online that is beng developed in the language learning laboratory at the University of Illinois. The courseware consists of two complementary parts: a business Chinese workbook and a business Chinese simulation. (Author/VWL)

In an intensive English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program, implementing a sourcebook project affects the design and content of all the courses in a curriculum. Sourcebooks, multimedia collections of materials devoted to a given topic and used in a simulation of academic research, can be adapted for use in independently operated ESL courses as…

Discusses the efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to make interactive video an integral part of foreign language instruction. Interactive video is seen as a method which could profoundly alter the old classroom model of language instruction. (Author/SED)