This article discusses principles involved in developing course materials for technology-mediated Chinese language learning, with examples from a new course designed to take into account the needs of distance and independent learners. Which learning environment is most efficient for a given learning activity needs to be carefully considered. It…

Although a key component in English language teaching programs, English textbooks have been criticized for not offering classroom learners adequate opportunity for learning authentic language (Bardovi-Harlig, 2001; Grant and Starks, 2001; Wong, 2002; Vellenga, 2004). This is because instead of making use of language samples that native speakers…

A need exists for a large fund of short, disconnected video materials designed specifically for rapid selective access and for use either in the classroom or the language laboratory, starting at the earliest stages of instruction. A theoretical model for creating these materials could be the language learner in public places in the target culture,…

Describes interactive video, compares disc- and tape-based systems, and summarizes the considerations that led to the development of the "Autotutor," an interactive video system for language learners. The process of creating interactive video learning materials is explained and its advantages to the learner are discussed. (SED)

The history of instructional material development for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction in the United States is chronicled through five different instructional approaches: the audiolingual approach (late 1940s to early 1960s); transformational grammar (early 1960s to the present); Total Physical Response (late 1970s to the present);…

Concern is expressed that computer-assisted instruction may quickly become obsolete unless courseware reflects current trends in language learning. Current courseware is criticized as structure-bound and reflecting the 1960s audiolingual approach and for using computer-generated enhancements to cover up essentially trivial exercises. Work done at…

Teacher prepared taped exchanges of realia between foreign language classes and classes of speakers of the target language provide language lessons through personal contact similar to those gained through a trip to the country of the target language. Sample lessons offer linguistic, cultural, and practical guidelines for implementing such a…

This discussion focuses on examples of materials used at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to help convey cultural values in the Japanese component in the Language and International Trade and the Language and World Business Programs at EMU. Ways that the culture is incorporated into the Japanese curriculum are described, and an explanation is…

Outlines methods by which dialogs are produced in a program which teaches foreign languages to local British industries. Recommends that such dialogs on specialized topics be short and simple. Also discusses how role play and materials such as graphs, charts, forms, and diagrams can be used as language teaching material. (SED)

Experimentation in the field of foreign language teaching and learning is underway in several countries under the auspices of the Council of Europe. A review of projects shows that many ways of introducing the communicative approach to language teaching have been tried. Experts from the Council for Cultural Cooperation visited member European…

Describes the Jigsaw technique, a small-group organization and instructional method which offers a highly interactive learning experience, and how it can be applied in adolescent and adult English-as-a-second-language classes or used as a model from which teachers can create their own instructional materials. (Author/CB)

Reviews Wilkins' approach to curriculum design as presented in his "Notional Syllabuses." Discusses three components of the language teaching-language learning process: the semantic, the functional, and the formal component, showing how Wilkins' analytic approach implies a semantic rather than a grammatical syllabus, based on learners'…

Developed at Tarrant County Junior College (TCJC) Northeast Campus (Texas), this paper presents and discusses materials and activities for teaching foreign language conversation classes. Introductory comments describe TCJC's Department of Foreign Languages, new curricular emphases on the development of oral skills, the nature of the college's…

A sample from a teacher-developed instructional television program is used to illustrate some possibilities for the exploitation of videotaped instructional materials in second language teaching. Aspects of the planning of tape production are outlined, and a transcript of the segment is provided. Features of the discourse from linguistic and…

Use of a theme- or topic-based curriculum to teach English as a Second Language in a Japanese university is described. Students are freshmen and sophomores. The thematic approach accommodates the interests of the large number of teachers in the program and encourages teacher development of instructional materials while achieving some consistency…