Michael Swan and Catherine Walter (see EJ1142765) take issue with the current emphasis in the teaching of listening and reading on higher-order skills-and-strategies training. They argue that L2 learners typically already possess the relevant skills and strategies necessary for listening and reading in L2, and, by implication, can and do deploy…

WeiWei Yang, in her forum piece, raises two main criticisms of the authors' "TQ" article on grammatical complexity: "The study the authors conducted [1] is not capable of answering development-related questions and [2] is mathematically questionable" (Yang, 2013, p. 190). In addition, Yang's article has a third goal that is not explicitly…

Investigates the programmatic nature of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines in the context of an unusual body of linguistic material: gravestone inscriptions. It is demonstrated that these texts can be used with imagination to develop linguistic facility according to the hierarchy of skills contained in…

Examines ways that word search puzzles can be created and modified for use in the foreign language classroom. Examples show how word search puzzles can focus on a wide variety of vocabulary, grammar topics, and skills. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the role of "noticing" and "noticing the gap" in second language acquisition. Argues that this notion has gained wide support on the basis of intuition and assumption rather than on findings of appropriate and exhaustive empirical research. Considers the theoretical constructs that underlie the role of noticing and assesses the validity…

A first person historical examination is provided of the use of grammar rules (the grammar-translation era) as a means of developing second-language proficiency and its effectiveness on second-language learning and speaking ability. (GLR)

Discusses the need for second-language students to be given opportunities to use the foreign language in settings that closely approximate actual communicative situations and offers ideas on how teachers can provide such opportunities. (one reference) (GLR)

Focuses on integrated skill instruction in the English-as-Second/Foreign-Language classroom. Specific sections address the following: the idea of language-as-skills; segregated-skill instruction; forms of integrated-skill instruction (content-based, and task-based); advantages of the integrated-skill approach; and integrating the language skills.…

Demonstrates ways the sentence combining technique can play a significant role in developing the writing skill, in making students more aware of their creative ability, and in heightening their sense of stylistic preferences. A range of combining exercises using Italian as the model language are provided. (Author/AMH)

Suggests that debate not only offers teachers a way to integrate language, content, and critical thinking instruction but also prepares English-as-a-Second-Language learners with the types of communication skills they will need in academic and work environments. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the extent to which the Australian language policy "White Paper" meets the real needs of the Australian people, and the quality of Australia's on-going performance in and commitment to well-articulated language and language education policymaking relating to languages other than English. (GLR)

Paraphrasing (the reading and rewriting of text material), though widely used as an alternative method of assessing comprehension, may also be viewed as an instructional technique and may be useful in the teaching of English as a Second Language. Teaching students to rewrite (paraphrase) what they read, a skill akin to summarizing, demonstrates…

Perspectives on and methods in second language teaching have changed rapidly during the past 10 years. So also have the role and function of the language laboratory and the laboratory instructor. One area of concern, listening, has been somewhat neglected; generally it has been taught toward the end of increasing speaking proficiency. A review of…

Explains how a key academic support service--the university writing center, can assist Generation 1.5 students (long-term U.S. residents and English language learners fluent in spoken English) as they develop their writing skills. (Author/VWL)

The development of communicative skills in a second language, it is argued, should include grammatical competence as well as form and message. The importance of grammatical instruction and teaching trends and theories are discussed, ending with the conclusion that the climate exists for development of a fully articulated theory of pedagogical…