Describes conversational language course of exercises designed to single out mistakes students kept making in language lab and concentrate on exercises to correct them to enrich English with more complex structures not used by students spontaneously. Method can be used to proceed from closed to open conversation exercises. (Author/BK)

Discusses the use of cooperative experiential learning as a method to help non-English speakers improve their English communication skills. Cites such factors as the necessity for cooperation and communication among students, the motivational character of natural conversation, and the "mainstreaming" of the limited English speaker. (PGD)

Recommends instituting conversation workshops to help English-as-a-Second-Language students acquire language competence and factual and cultural knowledge. Reviews Hunter College's workshop program whereby students work with peer tutors in a writing lab discussing various informal and academic topics or the information covered in specific content…

The ways in which second language learners and teachers together can develop learners' ability to carry on conversation in the target language are examined. The discussion is based on the idea that practicing language skills, therefore creating opportunities to gain additional knowledge, is essential to continued learning, whereas using such…

Presents a technique devised to help intermediate Spanish students master the art of communication over the telephone and outlines the specific learning and testing activities and pedagogical rationale behind them. The technique can also be used to test oral competence and aural proficiency. (SED)

Describes schedules and activities of the summer and weekend foreign language immersion programs at the State University of New York College at New Paltz. Gives some highlights of last summer's program. (EKN)

A technique adopted for a course in advanced conversation in English as a second language used a combination of writing, acting, and self-monitoring activities to teach a variety of culturally valuable skills: narration, expression of opinion, and discussion of common issues in culturally sensitive ways. Students write plays as a group about…

Describes a one-semester conversational language course based on specific proficiency goals. The oral proficiency pre- and posttests, goal contracts outlining performance objectives for each chapter of the text, specific instructional and grading techniques, and class activities are detailed. (MSE)

Describes a one-semester conversational course taught at Harvard University designed to teach basic oral communication skills in French with the main emphasis on teaching students to pause while speaking. (AM)

The development and instruction of a course in survival Spanish at Sauk Valley Community College (Illinois) are described. The course, taught for over 15 years and targeted at groups such as teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors, and secretaries, is offered as a model for courses in real-life communication for a variety of professions.…