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)

Exemplifies and presents the rationale for notional writing materials. The basic assumption of these materials is that effective writing demands a clear sense of why something is being written and for whom it is being written. The materials provide a great variety of writing voices and related particular function to particular grammatical points.…

A discussion of techniques for teachers to best use functional materials focuses on providing practice in recognizing and manipulating stress and intonation variations to produce attitudinally appropriate utterances. Lesson planning ideas for beginner and intermediate levels are included. (MSE)

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…

Speculates on the language teaching scene in 10 years' time. Suggests that the fundamental description of language in terms of functions and notions will not be replaced by any new concept and that innovation, therefore, will come more in the form in which this description of language is presented to the learner. (SED)

The instructional designer in language instruction can choose a central function (e.g., describing) and build a teaching unit around it. The process involves choosing a situation that best displays the core function, determining possible secondary functions, discussing the personalities involved, and determining the formality or familiarity of the…

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…

Explains how the orientation process, using a functional/notional approach to language teaching, provides for specification and ordering of activities in the classroom. Models can be worked out for particular activities and resources can be collected so that the models can be adopted as needed to include a variety of content. (Author/PJM)

A guide to the development of Spanish-language curricula for Spanish-speaking secondary students is intended to help teachers and administrators design programs building on students' existing language strengths. The recommended instructional approach is functional-notional, and local districts are encouraged to use it to adapt their textbooks and…

Addresses problems that arise in applying functional/notional syllabus design to general-purpose academic courses. Proposes steps that attempt to solve three major problems: (1) how to link functional and linguistic categories; (2) on what basis to select and sequence materials; and (3) how to develop functional ability in all four skills.…

A functional-notational syllabus was developed for use in Papua New Guinea because the English language needs and terminal competence of students in that country are more easily identifiable in terms of functional-notional categories than of language structures. The syllabus for grades 7-10 is divided into units or topics of language uses, and…

This set of materials for Spanish second language instruction was designed for students who can be taught most effectively through a functional, conversational approach. It is intended as a supplement to the regular course of study so that all students, regardless of ability level, can be provided with an effective instructional program. It…

This set of materials for Japanese second language instruction was designed for students who can be taught most effectively through a functional, conversational approach. It is intended as a supplement to the regular course of study so that all students, regardless of ability level, can be provided with an effective instructional program. It…

This set of materials for German second language instruction was designed for students who can be taught most effectively through a functional, conversational approach. It is intended as a supplement to the regular course of study so that all students, regardless of ability level, can be provided with an effective instructional program. It…

This set of materials for French second language instruction was designed for students who can be taught most effectively through a functional, conversational approach. It is intended as a supplement to the regular course of study so that all students, regardless of ability level, can be provided with an effective instructional program. It…