Authentic materials can be used to promote second language acquisition. Research on their effects on each language skill (reading, culture, writing, speaking, listening) is needed. Print media (such as newspapers) which are available and motivation, offer real interaction with the target language and culture, and are a valuable instructional…

This paper in the form of an outline addresses the use of songs and instrumental music throughout the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curriculum. The rationale for using music in general, and specifically using popular songs and instrumental music, are noted. Criteria for selection of music for classroom use are listed, and a taxonomy is…

This paper describes how comic books are used as instructional materials in an intensive English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) course and discusses the rationale for using them. The students in the course have low-intermediate English language skills with limited discourse and interactive competence. Comic books are used because they are authentic,…

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) supports the development by media specialists of the competencies and skills they need, whether derived from training in general and professional education, or from media specialization. The "Certification Model for Professional School Media Personnel," developed and designed by an…

Suggestions are offered on the use of animated lectures on CD-ROM into the curriculum of an upper-intermediate-level course in English-as-a-second-language speaking and listening. The technique is recommended as a means of sharpening student listening skills and preparing students for real-life lectures in college. Animated lectures were drawn…

Commercially produced films and videotapes are recommended as effective tools for developing speaking, listening, and writing skills in English as a second language. It is suggested that their use with content-area instruction, where films and videotapes provide relevant schema background, makes language relevant and comprehensible. Practical…

A discussion of the use of dialogues in second language instruction focuses on uses of the techniques that are more appropriate than those used in the era of audio-lingual methodology. It is argued that during this period, dialogues were overused. Techniques are offered for use of dialogues to develop learners' listening and speaking skills.…

The purpose of this media study sought to determine whether similar patterns are found (1) when interviewing a larger number of participants and (2) when focusing on a specific content area. Thirty-eight undergraduate students enrolled in an undergraduate computer education class in a large Midwestern university volunteered to participate in…

A teacher of English in a college-level intensive English language program describes a method for stimulating speech in high-intermediate and advanced students, using short stories. It is argued that in short stories, the themes are universal, and even shy students are willing to discuss this form of literature in class. Criteria for selecting…

The use of language for real communication is of primary importance in bringing a foreign language to life for students. Native speakers can make a class come alive, and teachers should explore the possibilities for bringing exchange students and teachers into the school. Realia and foreign language children's books are also interesting to…

Readers Theater, a combination of storytelling and dramatic elements, is recommended as a technique for use in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classroom. Among its advantages are that it incorporates four language skill areas (Listening, speaking, reading, writing), uses cultural materials, and motivates students by using language in a…

Focusing on the theme of nonformal education as a method of involving rural people in developmental processes designated to help improve social and economic well-being, this report on the second international conference/workshop on nonformal education presents major concepts and methods involved in development work with the rural poor via case…

A discussion of reading instruction for limited-English-proficient (LEP) students looks at elements contributing to development of an effective instructional approach. The elements discussed include the following: the quality of reading materials; role of oral language development; design of an initial decoding process geared to success; need to…