English for native speakers is compared and contrasted with English for non-native speakers by examining the influence of Moffett's (1968) structural curriculum for native speakers and the notional functional syllabus approach for second language learners. Both approaches are more rhetorical and less grammatical then the approaches that preceded…

Questions the relevance of the traditional structural/grammatical approach to Russian course design. Suggests instead a functional notional approach and provides an overview of its rationale and principles. (EKN)

Discusses using structure drills in the foreign language classroom including use of same grammatical structure with slight variation, notional/functional drills, and situational dialogs. Suggests necessity of looking more closely at techniques in order to better understand teaching operation. (Author/BK)

Presents case in favor of using a structural-functional syllabus for teaching English as a second language at all levels in the Chinese-medium school and up to the intermediary level in the English-medium school, and for use of a functional-structural syllabus at upper secondary levels in the English-medium school in Hong Kong. (Author/BK)

Both the theoretical basis of functional-notionalism and its practical classroom applications are discussed in this text. The major characteristic of the functional-notional approach to language teaching is a sensitivity to the individual needs of students. Based on the idea that the ability to use real, appropriate language to communicate with…

Reports on a project in communicative computer-assisted instruction for students of German, which incorporates elements of surprise and variety into the sessions with the computer. Using a notional format, word games are used in relevant ways, creating a similarity to real conversation. This, in turn, gives the students a normal range of…

Discusses the differences between language-centered teaching and learning-centered teaching methods with reference to recent trends in language program and syllabus design and innovative proposals. Also considers the reasons for the adoption and influence of methods. (SL)

Discusses the use of the term "communicative" in describing approaches to foreign- or second-language teaching. Suggests that a distinction should be drawn between informal communicative approaches which promote second-language acquisition and formal communicative approaches which promote conscious learning. Examines conditions for achieving both…

Argues that the success of a language course is determined by the teaching method, rather than by instructional materials. Accordingly, suggests a variety of strategies for the notional functional exploitation of traditional texts, and outlines classroom activities apt to encourage communicative competence. (MES)

Compares three major types of syllabi--structural, situational, and notional--to determine how the last differs from the others. For each, the author examines its focus, its basis for selecting and ordering materials, and its typical manner of presentation. Discusses in considerable detail macro- and microstrategies consistent with the notional…

Discusses positive and negative aspects of teaching language use--the Communicative Approach. While the Communicative Approach is learner-centered and develops the students' communicative competence, the design and current tactics of this methodology are criticized as being "decontextualized" and "abstracted." (SL)

Discusses the problems for a head of department in organizing first foreign language classes. The merits of ability grouping are briefly analyzed. The mixed ability approach is proposed as most desirable, especially with the use of topic-based as opposed to traditional grammar-based language courses. (Author/LMO)

Needs assessment, identification of objectives, training and evaluation procedures of a Competency Based Education (CBE) system and minimum competencies are discussed. These are applied to second language instruction utilizing the Council of Europe's "Threshold Level" core from which statements may be developed and applied in a CBE learning…

This training manual and program guide for staff focuses on planning and designing a notional-functional curriculum for English as a Second Language program. Chapter 1 explains a notional-functional curriculum that is designed around instructional objectives developed upon interrelationships between language functions and notions. The focus of…

This document is the result of a project commissioned by the Council of Europe to produce a system of units in foreign language instruction for adults. The "threshold level" is conceived as the compilation of knowledge and skills a person would need in order to communicate simply but effectively in a foreign environment. It is not limited to…