The problem of teaching the use of the verbs "ser" and "estar" in Spanish can be only partially addressed by current linguistic explanations. In the absence of rules that will enable the student to predict correct sentences using the verbs, the most effective teaching technique is to use a situational-functional approach providing students with…

An approach to second language teaching is proposed that integrates elements of the grammatical and functional-notional syllabus designs. The resulting combination is a communicative framework for functional practice in language learning and teaching. The current status of language teaching is examined in the context of these two instructional…

For many years rhetoric and grammar were linked in foreign language education, and then they drifted apart. More recently, pragmatics, the study of meaning related to language use in a natural context, has returned and appears in some form in the communicative approach, situational language instruction, and the notional functional approach. (MSE)

Many teachers feel that the primary goal of language education is the development of communicative rather than linguistic competence. This shift in focus has affected syllabus design. However, no single syllabus appears satisfactory by itself. The grammatical syllabus is effective to instill in learners automatic production of accurate structural…

A discussion, in French, of second language grammar instruction looks at the differences between a traditional linguistic approach to grammar learning, used less and less with the advent of communicative language teaching methods, and a sociolinguistic approach, which focuses more closely on the sociocultural context of functional variants of a…

In Iran, English second language (ESL) instruction is increasing rapidly. Generally, the instruction is structural and the focus is on grammatical features. Structural and grammar-translation methods of teaching are most common, and change is resisted. Against this background, however, some college instructors of the new generation have begun to…

A discussion linking theory and practice in second language instruction focuses on ways of providing opportunities for meaningful interaction in language classrooms. The first part lays a theoretical foundation, looking at: the variety and evolution of instructional approaches from grammar-based to communicative; the classroom as environment for…