Opportunities for autonomous interaction and creative communication should accompany the necessary skill-getting activities in second language learning. Paper presented under contract with the English Language Branch--Defense Language Institute, Lackland Air Force Base, Lackland, Texas, and delivered in 1971 to staff members of the Branch. (VM)

Describes a study that attempted to quantify and model how teachers' perceptions of educational policy influenced their classroom practice. Investigated the interrelationships among theorized factors--such as perceptions of preservice education, class size, and university entrance exams--believed to influence teachers' approval of communicative…

Two educators discuss the role literature plays in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. One emphasizes that literary texts are a source for classroom activities that can motivate learners. The other points out that the English writings of ESL students about their travels and friends published in newsletters and journals generate…

Paper prepared under contract with the English Language Branch--Defense Language Institute, Lackland Air Force Base, Lackland, Texas, and delivered in 1971 to staff members of the Branch. (VM)

The traditional approach to grammar teaching provides learners with opportunities to produce specific grammatical structures. This article explores an alternative approach, one based on interpreting input. The rationale for the approach is discussed, as are the principles for designing interpretation tasks for grammar teaching. (Contains 35…

Paper presented under contract with the English Language Branch--Defense Language Institute, Lackland Air Force Base, Lackland, Texas, and delivered in 1971 to staff members of the Branch. (VM)

Teaching methods based on activity-centered learning applicable to ESL, French, and immersion programs are examined. Examples are given of activities fostering learning both in the classroom and on excursions, along with the psycholinguistic principles on which they are based. (MSE)

Describes the investigation of South African English-as-a-Second-Language high school students perceptions of classroom activities in terms of their feelings toward the activities as well as their value in current and future learning. Using questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations, results found that the learners' perceptions often…

Principles and techniques important in the integration of real communication skills and practice in classroom activities within a student-centered curriculum are outlined and discussed. The need for a classroom environment promoting real communication is stressed, and materials design principles are noted. The role of explicit grammar instruction…

On the premise that the value of a test relates to its uses, this article argues that tests should correspond to teachers' methods, objectives, and materials. A distinction is drawn between classroom and standardized testing, and three criteria for testing are offered. (LR)

Examines the requirements of instructors of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) by surveying professors at four institutions of higher learning. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that U.S. instructors' lecturing styles are becoming more interactive, a trend placing new expectations upon students. (31 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the value of oral reports and their place in the ESL curriculum and presents materials developed for use in intermediate level ESL courses. These materials include guidelines for choosing a topic; preparing, recording, and presenting the report; and for leading a discussion. An analysis of evaluations by students and instructor follows.…

Summarizes the central assumptions of the communicative language teaching model and the potential difficulties that regular classroom teachers may face in implementing it. Seven criteria for use in organizing communicative classrooms are presented, and applications of these criteria to decisions about organizing classroom interaction and the…

Ways in which teachers of English as a second language can make class exercises for vocational students similar to the speech they will use in skill classes or on the job are described. Choice of authentic material for the classroom, determination of emphasis, and teaching from chosen materials are also discussed. (PMJ)