English language learners (ELLs), especially those outside major cities in North America, are integrated into mainstream classrooms, often without targeted language support. Form-focused instruction (FFI) is an approach to language instruction in which learner attention is focused on language form during meaning-based activities. Although FFI has…

This article capitalizes on the notion of linguistic risk-taking by focusing on a new pedagogical initiative at the University of Ottawa, an institution where courses, programs, and services in both English and French are available. In this bilingual context, we define linguistic risks as authentic communicative acts in learners' second official…

There is considerable variation in the implementation of role-play activities in second language (L2)/foreign language (FL) classroom settings, and little information is available about how students actually manage them, particularly with regards to overcoming their L2 deficits. This study examines the preparation of role-plays by university…

This study focuses on the pedagogical applications of structural priming research in an English for academic purposes (EAP) context, investigating whether priming activities are an effective tool for eliciting production of target grammatical structures. University students across four EAP classes carried out a total of 6 information-exchange…

This article examines student attitudes towards and perceptions of technological activities in the language classroom. Data collected from students (n = 71) in the French language departments of five Canadian universities were used to examine which technological activities students preferred, whether and to what degree different activities were…

This article proposes a reconsideration of curricular objectives with respect to the teaching of culture, in the interest of broadening the humanistic scope of the second/foreign language curriculum while at the same time alleviating the pressure of a typically over-extended instructional agenda. Recent research and theory support a relational…

Discusses the use of pictures in the language classroom and presents controlled and non-controlled activities incorporating pictures. (AM)

Discusses the use of humor in the language classroom, and provides some sample activities in Italian. (AM)

A number of exercises for promoting communication and self-expression in the classroom are described. (RM)

Describes the use of the "micrologue," a brief narrative on cultural topics, to develop linguistic and cultural skills in the language classroom. (AM)

Discusses the use of puzzles as supplementary activity in the language classroom. (AM)

A description of materials developed to supplement an activity-based French program for grade eight. (PMP)

Discusses the use of song as a language-learning medium. Particular reference is made to the use of folk songs in teaching French. (AM)

Teachers' attitudes toward language teaching trends were surveyed. Prospective teachers about to enter the profession believed that language programs should be self-paced and there should be a cooperative learning climate in classrooms. Experienced teachers were more moderate but used techniques for self-pacing and real communication often in…

Learning a language is an "attitude"; particularly in the primary grades, the teacher must use the procedures and materials best suited to develop a favorable attitude, provide enjoyment, stimulate curiosity, promote acquisition of linguistic and communication skills. Skits, songs, games and audio-visual techniques are suggested. (Text is in…