Foreign language teachers can tap the appeal of video successfully and enjoyably in the foreign language classroom. Potential difficulties include length of feature films and difficulty in understanding the language and story simultaneously. The instructor must select materials and equipment carefully and commit considerable time and energy to…

A form is presented for choosing and using videotexts for video-based teaching. The form offers a number of considerations and suggestions that can be adopted and adapted by teachers, according to their needs. (21 references) (Author/VWL)

The use of video materials in second language instruction is discussed, particularly as a potential remedy for commonly-used non-communicative or text-bound teaching materials. Research into video use in the second language classroom is reviewed. Basic criteria for selecting instructional video are outlined. Such materials should: contain the…

The annotated reading list cites works of fiction and non-fiction felt to be appropriate for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Most are suitable for students at the "professional proficiency" level, although some may be read by students at the "limited working proficiency" level, and some are…

Theoretical insights into teaching English as a second language developed in recent years are brought together in a broad methodological approach called the balanced activities approach. The book aims at providing a theoretical background to the approach as well as detailing practical instructional techniques. The first of the three parts of the…

French news broadcasts by Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA) may prove overwhelmingly difficult for typical intermediate-level students because it is written discourse in an audiovisual medium. However, thoughtful selection of material and careful preparation of related exercises can make SCOLA features rewarding even for students with…

This practical guide is intended to help teachers encourage recreational reading in a second language. The guide is based on the experience of one British school. The guide's first section offers suggestions for finding and selecting appropriate books or story collections, library instruction, keeping individual reading diaries, and helping slow…

As part of a larger study of instructional issues for English as a second language (ESL), current literature is reviewed and summarized in four major areas affecting the teaching and learning of ESL in grades K-12: ESL instructional approaches, patterns of curriculum organization, instructional materials, and language learning theories. In the…

A discussion of distance-delivered foreign language instruction in Wisconsin focuses on the selection of appropriate technology for instructional delivery and on the design of distance instruction. Issues relating to both secondary and postsecondary instruction are examined. The first section examines some of the considerations in selecting…

Papers from a workshop on folklore in second language teaching include: "Folklore in the Classroom: Lifting the Lid on the Magic Coffer" (Genelle Morain); "An American Folklore Quiz" (Genelle Morain); "Who's Afraid of Dr. Faust?" (Gerhard H. Weiss); "German Folklore Bibliography for Teachers" (Gerhard H.…

A discussion of the use of voice as an effective tool in second language instruction examines the role of teachers as readers, the process of selecting and interpreting texts, preparation of reading passages, and reading aloud in class. The dimension of voice added to other aspects of language emphasizes the communicative purpose of the language,…

Multilevel foreign language classes are viewed as a challenge that can be met by a careful consideration of wise materials and equipment selection, group dynamics, individualized instruction, and curricular reorganization. (JB)

A review of the literature on instruction in English as a second language (ESL) looks at four areas of ESL instruction individually and then derives conclusions and recommendations from those areas. The first area, ESL instructional approaches, includes discussion of the educational benefits of current ESL instructional approaches (audiolingual…

The use of mass media as a means of learning a foreign language from the beginning of language study is discussed. Using the media enables many of the features of the natural language acquisition process to be brought into play in a way that much current language teaching material does not. This position is supported by recent research into the…

A resource guide for teachers of Urdu, particularly in Britain, is designed to help them improve the conditions of Urdu instruction in a variety of ways, including pressing the local education authority for better educational provision, creating instructional materials, and making the best use of available equipment and techniques. The first of…