Translating current principles of language learning into effective classroom practice requires a nuanced understanding of the cognitive and social factors that shape how learners engage in instructional activity. In this paper, we identify four principles that represent a current theoretical consensus in the field, which we hope will guide…

Analyzes use of passe compose and the imperfect in French. Gives examples of effective teaching and testing devices of pastness. (Author/BK)

Describes several activities that can be used to fill short periods of class time to give language students extra language practice. Activities include generating word lists, sentences, questions, clue-words, 20 questions, hangman. All require no advance preparation. (BK)

Examines form and gender correspondence rules for Spanish and attempts to evaluate them for potential utility to the foreign language user on the basis of formal and psychological criteria relating to how rules might affect performance, with specific reference to the role of rules as defined in monitor model. (Author/BK)

Describes problems facing writing teacher in second language composition/conversation programs at college level. Suggests second language departments should incorporate a writing course into programs, separate from conversation classes, with individualized format. (Author/BK)

The transformation from grammar to literature can be difficult for college foreign language students because of the introduction of figurative language inherent in the study of literature. Article presents classroom techniques for introducing figurative language and literary analysis in classroom. (BK)

Describes several strategies designed to increase audience participation in role play and simulation activities in the foreign language classroom, including audience feedback, role switching, voting, instant replay, cultural discussion, audience direction, press conference, and class soap opera. These strategies make the role play more productive…

Describes and gives example of a Picture Pack, an inexpensive, instructor-made, teaching book which will stimulate interest in writing and increase writing skills in foreign language classroom. It consists of a picture and writing activities about it. It is useful for language teachers responsible for different levels of instruction and those…

Describes teaching methods using videotape recorder in which students are taped acting out dialogs. Then tapes are shown to, analyzed, and evaluated by the class. Finally, students write an essay on one aspect of the tape. (BK)

Describes practical course for teacher education using guest lecture and discussions, microteaching, and class discussion sessions to engage students in practical requirements of foreign language teaching. (Author/BK)

Describes a language teaching technique which uses analogies like those found on the Miller Analogies Test. To solve an analogy, a student must understand each word, but more importantly the relationships between the words. Different analogies are listed with suggestions for class presentation. (Author/BK)

Explores the verbal and behavioral strategies necessary to participate easily in conversations in French and German. Suggests methods for teaching discussion skills through observation and analysis of seminar-type discussions between native speakers and listeners. (Author/BK)

For spot-dictation purposes, song lyrics can be duplicated with blanks for the words or structures that are desirable to emphasize. Lyrics quite often have repetitious structures and vocabulary, and lend themselves to reinforcing new forms or concepts. This procedure can encourage general listening comprehension while highlighting one particular…

In spite of new methodologies in foreign language instruction, much testing is still of the traditional type. Paper and pencil tests are given, testing in exactly the same way the teachers themselves were tested. This article suggests 25 points for language teachers on all levels. (Author/PJM)

Describes new approach to use of audio-motor unit as listening comprehension strategy composed of a series of oral commands which elicit physical responses. Proposes using these units in language lab in order to conserve time and have an objective means of evaluating units. (Author/BK)