Although the interactive whiteboard (IWB) is becoming increasingly prevalent in classrooms throughout the more efficient parts of the world and research has shown how this tool can increase the effectiveness of teaching and even transform pedagogy (Kennewell & Beauchamp, 2007), research literature overviews (Higgins, Beauchamp, & Miller,…

A modular-type course in French was developed at the "Centre d'anglais et de francais" at McGill University (Montreal) to meet the needs of incoming students who were lacking skills in listening and oral expression. The course is composed of eight modules a semester, each module corresponding to 15 to 20 hours work on the student's part. The…

A discussion of the use of thematic modules in content-based second language instruction argues that the approach has a number of advantages over others. Thematic modules are defined as longer than lessons and shorter than a course, and it is suggested that in a content-based approach, the module constitutes the basic unit of study. Content-based…

This program was designed to permit students to enroll in elementary Spanish in any academic term. A lesson packet containing five parts was designed to accompany a regular text for first-year college Spanish. During the first week of classes, the students meet in a large group for instruction on how to learn a language and how to use the…

The experience of the second language team at the "Centre de Langue Francaise" (CLF) at McGill University (Montreal) is reported. The emphasis placed on designing courses and laboratory experiences in response to student needs is reviewed from the late 1960's until the present. Some of the factors that were operative in curriculum change were the…

A discussion of computer authoring systems examines the uses and limitations of authoring systems and describes a multifunctional system designed for computer-assisted language instruction and learning. The section on authoring systems in general looks at their evolution and at misunderstandings of their potential and capacity. The system…

Advantages of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for grammar-oriented exercises are considered, and a learning module to help the student prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is described. The exercises are modeled on the TOEFL exam: the student is given a sentence, one part of which is incorrect and is asked to…

This paper describes the procedures for developing and delivering a training program designed to enhance the language ability and teacher training skills of lead teachers of English in the Czech Republic. The described program was funded by PHARE, a European Commission funding source dedicated to strengthening and enhancing the skills, knowledge,…

It is proposed that because (1) adult learners of English as a Second Language face great challenges in communicating with native English speakers; and (2) native English-speakers can learn strategies to compensate for some of these difficulties, there is a need for instruction in these strategies and skills for Americans in international…

A Hong Kong college instructor in English for academic purposes (EAP) describes the process of revising an instructional module designed for students involved in the building trades. The three-step curriculum development process included (1) personal reflection and solicitation of student perceptions; (2) need analysis and development of a new…

One college French course introduces third-semester students to commercial French while simultaneously teaching contemporary French theater to the same group. The 3-week course segment is taught with two 3-week modules, and is part of a course using the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The commercial language module helps to build an…