The aim of this article is to stress the importance of a dynamic systems or complexity theory approach as a necessary prerequisite to understanding the development of multi-competence in multilingual learners. Selected results from a study on emergent multilingual awareness in children, carried out in South Tyrol, are outlined and discussed. The…

Syntactic priming is the tendency for a speaker to produce a structure that was encountered in recent discourse and is measured by calculating how frequently speakers use the modelled structures as opposed to alternatives. Recent lab-based studies have shown that carrying out syntactic priming activities with trained interlocutors positively…

Discusses cooperative learning in second- and foreign-language learning. The article offers a working definition of cooperative learning accompanied by examples of cooperative activities easy to incorporate into everyday teaching routines. Arguments and counterarguments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of cooperative learning are presented.…

Argues in response to Nassaji (1999) that although the article contains useful suggestions for communicative activities, it is vulnerable to serious criticism in terms of an incoherent theoretical justification, a failure to provide a promised discussion of relevant empirical evidence, and an unmotivated restriction on the nature of the tasks…

Responds to comments made by Ronald Sheen about an earlier article titled, "Towards Integrating Forum-Focused Instruction and Communicative Interaction in the Second Language Classroom." (Author/VWL)

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

Describes the "Almanach Vermot," a type of encyclopedia on French language and culture, and indicates ways in which this publication may be of use in the French classroom. (AM)

Discusses two Internet activities called Postcards and Talking Heads that can be used by second and foreign language teachers in the classroom. Theoretical justification for using Internet technology is provided, and learning outcomes of Internet activities are discussed. (Author/VWL)

Mnemonic techniques for teaching French verbs and their corresponding prepositions to native English speakers are presented. The devices are outlined by category of verb and preposition. Then specific techniques for presentation, memorization, and further uses are described. (Contains six references.) (MSE)

A classroom exercise is described that simulates the everyday interactions within a French apartment house. The cultural, linguistic, and affective benefits of the activity are discussed. (MSE)

Ways are outlined to help students read their textbooks and do homework exercises effectively, know when they really understand the material, pinpoint what they do not understand, and know when they need help. Suggestions are offered for incorporating student training and practice in study strategies. A sample worksheet is appended. (25…

Discusses the use of puzzles as supplementary activity in the language classroom. (AM)

Suggests some techniques for capturing students' attention at the beginning of a language class in the elementary grades. (AM)

A Manitoba program of linguistic improvement for French teachers is described. In the program, teachers focus on communicative skills, the reflection on the language's resources and constraints, varied activities, and activities that can be readily adapted for their own classrooms. (MSE)