Considers the implications of research on intentional learning processes for the role of the second language teacher. It is recommended that teachers take on the task of helping their students refine their competence as learners. Techniques for classroom practice are suggested. (MSE)

Three studies of the development of gender competence in elementary and intermediate level learners of French as a second language are reported. The findings support an emerging rule-governed process of gender assignment related to the learner's development of skill with the language's underlying phonological system. (11 references) (MSE)

Teachers' attitudes toward language teaching trends were surveyed. Prospective teachers about to enter the profession believed that language programs should be self-paced and there should be a cooperative learning climate in classrooms. Experienced teachers were more moderate but used techniques for self-pacing and real communication often in…

Discusses the use of pictures in the language classroom and presents controlled and non-controlled activities incorporating pictures. (AM)

Discusses the use of humor in the language classroom, and provides some sample activities in Italian. (AM)

Some of the cognitive and affective factors influencing second language reading comprehension are reviewed, and an instructional technique designed to both guide the reading process and develop comprehension at several levels is described. Teachers are urged to develop process-oriented reading comprehension activities in collaboration with…

A number of exercises for promoting communication and self-expression in the classroom are described. (RM)

Reviews the research literature on strategies and techniques employed by successful language learners and discusses the results of a questionnaire administered to 85 students, which dealt with specific learning tasks and their individual strategies. Responses of 18 A students are compared with responses of 18 C/D students. (Author/AMH)

A description of materials developed to supplement an activity-based French program for grade eight. (PMP)

Discusses the use of song as a language-learning medium. Particular reference is made to the use of folk songs in teaching French. (AM)

An observation procedure that can be used to observe cooperative learning in French instruction is presented. The procedure consists of setting up the cooperative learning activity and observing whether the cooperative group displays the second-language discourse found to foster second-language learning. Forms for recording observations are…

This article deals with the role of attitudes in second language acquisition suggested by a social psychological interpretation of the processes involved, and examines several extracurricular programs designed to improve student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

Summarizes research developed from a model of teacher effectiveness and student achievement which focuses on: (1) the amount of time allocated to particular curricular content, and (2) the level of students' active learning time during instruction on that curricular content. (Author/AMH)

A scale of processes found most constructive for second-language learning was validated with two groups of adult French students. Instruction of one group included use of the scale. Pre- and posttests of language learning and use of processes suggest that unsuccessful language learners can be taught to improve performance. (31 references)…

Describes application of cooperative-learning techniques to a translation course, using small group discussions to collectively arrive at more in-depth understanding of source texts and greater grammatical correctness, accuracy, and faithfulness. Argues that social support is important as participants share difficulties, gain confidence and…