Research on the language-literature divide in undergraduate second language programs documents the challenge of engaging literature learners in classroom discourse which is conducive to their developing interpersonal speaking skills as measured on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Scale. In this study, Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) were…

By maximizing class time with more peer-to-peer interaction, students can develop interpersonal skills essential for communicating in a global society. While technology empowers the world language student with a global classroom, this short-form article discusses the value of "unplugged" activities based on ACTFL's Proficiency and World…

The present study examines the effect of self-evaluation on Spanish oral performance of nine second-language university students in an intermediate conversation course. Participants were asked to submit multiple drafts of digital video recordings of themselves practicing language functions throughout a semester. Participants also reflected on…

Detailing the integration of Spanish language teaching in an authentic setting, this article contributes to empirical research on the positive value of community-engaged learning in foreign language pedagogy. "Reading to Play, Playing to Read" is an innovative model for community-engaged teaching that combines learning goals from…

Learning a language is more than understanding grammar and being able to complete drills and exercises correctly. Other practice and activities which improve communications skills must be incorporated into language classrooms. (CB)

Discusses the need for second-language students to be given opportunities to use the foreign language in settings that closely approximate actual communicative situations and offers ideas on how teachers can provide such opportunities. (one reference) (GLR)

In this study, native speakers assessed 30 students' gain in Spanish skills over a seven-week period of study in Mexico. Results indicate that 22 improved significantly in some aspect of Spanish. Students, especially beginners, who reported more informal interactive contact showed greater gain; beginning and advanced students reporting more…

Discusses the results of a field test of a reading skills teaching program, explains how to incorporate the program into the reading lessons, describes some of the major changes that resulted from students' suggestions, and discusses the implications the changes have had for the program. (seven references) (GLR)

Addresses the immediate needs of language teachers who want to develop their students' reading skills but have not been provided with the instructional information necessary to do so. It suggests a methodological sequence for using the students' background knowledge and strategy training for foreign language reading using authentic texts. (33…

Describes several techniques using older technology to develop listening and speaking skills, and explains how readily available materials (transparencies, slides and tape shows, miming and pairing, commercial video, audiotapes, videotapes) can be used effectively in the classroom as well as in the laboratory. (seven references) (GLR)

Classroom activities and materials for developing Spanish language skills are described. The exercises focus on listening comprehension, speaking, word recognition, vocabulary learning through reading, and grammar skills that prepare students for the National Spanish Examination and other language experiences. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the use of the communication media (radio, television, films) in assisting second-language students of Spanish in developing their listening comprehension. (nine references) (GLR)

Discusses how the learning process in first year Spanish can be enhanced by incorporating the game of baseball into the lesson plan. Phonetic improvement, vocabulary building, and reading skill development are explained within the baseball teaching methodology. (GLR)