This article reports on a teacher-talk training course for Japanese primary school teachers, who are preparing to teach "communicative English" for the first time. The article argues that teacher-talk training is important for communicative classes with young students because most of the input and interaction is by default teacher…

Argues the value of literary reading passages as the basis for second language learning. These passages can serve as a springboard for the enthusiastic exchange of ideas in which learners focus on meaning rather than form, use the target language to argue or justify opinions, or, while playing the role of a character, to engage in conversation.…

Characteristics and types of role-play for the language classroom are discussed. Sample activities for grades K-3 and for grades 4-6 are offered. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/LB)

Describes a project-driven classroom that elaborates on the conventional role play, implementing the instructional goals of the National Standards in Foreign Language Education project, while presenting possible solutions to the issue of listening-comprehension anxiety. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the suggestion that certain features of "real life" language use must be incorporated in any assessment of a foreign language learner's communicative competence. The validity of current assessment schemes, such as role play tasks, is discussed, and a case study of a role play testing situation is reported. (SED)

A story is told of how inner-city youth organizations use dramas that young people write, cast, and direct to enable them to retain their first language or dialect while gaining standard English and preparing for job entry. The story ends with implications for the language classroom. (seven references) (Author/LB)

Defines continuous role playing in foreign language teaching suggestopedia (as practiced in Bulgaria); discusses how to achieve and sustain it; and considers its advantages, disadvantages and relevance. The article notes that the balancing role of the teacher is crucial to the techniques employed in the classroom dialogs. (10 references) (CK)

Simulation activities provide opportunities to focus on the individual's contribution, encourage creativity, and build self-esteem. These activities can help develop social skills and understanding of other cultures by fostering attitudes of tolerance and sensitivity. (Examples of simulations are included.) (SED)

Examines some of the reasons that role playing and simulation are not heavily used as teaching techniques in language classes and discusses the need for a better understanding of the nature and scope of the techniques. Ways in which these techniques might be more fully exploited are suggested. (Author/JL)

This article discusses the declining use of role-playing in the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach to second-language instruction, focusing on the strengths and weakness of the technique. It concludes that small-group and classroom activities are more effective than staged role-playing dialogs in the promotion of communicative…

Highlights classroom role playing in Saudi Arabian classrooms as a psychological aid that fosters self-confidence in inhibited, timid, hesitant, and passive students and relieves them of their paternal communicative limitations. Proposes an overall strategy for role-playing as an effective communicative activity that teachers can exploit to help…

Discusses four possible ways to conduct language-acquisition activities in the foreign-language classroom: (1) vivid linking; (2) story retelling; (3) self-directed statement; and (4) role playing. (Author/VWL)

Demonstrates how three kinds of pictures--advertisements, calendars, and cartoons--can be used for stimulating and sustaining verbal output in the English-as-a-Foreign/Second-Language classroom. Techniques include discussion, matching, debates, role play, and telling a story. Ten steps to building a language teaching picture file are included.…

Describes work at an American college with students who are receiving an introduction to colloquial German. Role-playing and picture stories prove useful in learning, in both productive and receptive aspects. Describing a picture on three levels--factual, psychological and contemplative--is shown to be very useful. (IFS/WGA)

Reports on a discussion between the editors of "Zielsprache Englisch" and three language teachers from a London language school, regarding games, role-playing, partner and group work, and the use of songs in teaching English. (IFS/WGA)