A consensus has emerged on many issues in communicative language teaching, but one question that needs attention is the question of what ought to constitute the appropriate starting point in the design and implementation of a second language program. Two positions to consider are the following: first, the development of communicative methodology,…

An experiment in teaching French in Sweden was based on a version of a Council of Europe proposal for a core language curriculum consisting of basic needs for language functions, notions, topics, vocabulary, and grammar. The model targets a variety of learning and age levels, but the Swedish program concerned secondary level teaching of French as…

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…

Looks at the pedagogical aspects of the communicative approach, especially as it relates to syllabus design and authentic materials. Suggests that language teaching should integrate semantic and formal syllabi and combine authentic with specially written teaching materials. Argues that the communicative approach ignores the importance of the…

This discussion focuses on examples of materials used at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to help convey cultural values in the Japanese component in the Language and International Trade and the Language and World Business Programs at EMU. Ways that the culture is incorporated into the Japanese curriculum are described, and an explanation is…

Experimentation in the field of foreign language teaching and learning is underway in several countries under the auspices of the Council of Europe. A review of projects shows that many ways of introducing the communicative approach to language teaching have been tried. Experts from the Council for Cultural Cooperation visited member European…

This article discusses the value of the notional-functional approach to language teaching and considers some sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and linguistic features of the notional-functional syllabus. (CFM)

The leadership of the foreign language education profession convened to discuss the major issues for that profession in the 1980s. Several papers each were devoted to the following subjects: (1) curriculum and materials, (2) global education, (3) evaluation, (4) research, and (5) teacher education. Brief reaction papers for each subject are…

The following papers on foreign language curriculum development for the 1980s are included: (1) "Foreign Language and the Humanistic Tradition: The Relationship to the Coming Decade," by Claire Gaudiani; (2) "Practical Implications of New Trends and Directions," by Wilga Rivers; (3) "Directions in Foreign Language Curriculum Development," by H. H.…

The components of British Columbia's new curriculum for secondary level Asian language programs, which are designed around communicative acts rather than grammar, are described and the implications for material development, evaluation, methodology, and teacher education are discussed. (MSE)

In order to bring about some continuity and coherence among the various English for Special Purposes (ESP) courses at the Universidad Simon Bolivar, a systematization project was undertaken. The purpose was to provide general guidelines for the production and future revision of materials while taking into account the specific characteristics of…

Discusses the guidelines adopted in writing a 1980 English language textbook designed for business professionals and following the functional principles. Emphasizes the communicative skills approach implemented through situations and activities relevant to the business world, and describes the receptive and productive skills exercises provided in…

The guide for developing curricula and instructional materials is intended for use in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction and instruction in other second/foreign languages. It presents an overview of the course designer's task and some available techniques. First, assessment of educational needs and relevant societal factors is…