Foreign language teachers can tap the appeal of video successfully and enjoyably in the foreign language classroom. Potential difficulties include length of feature films and difficulty in understanding the language and story simultaneously. The instructor must select materials and equipment carefully and commit considerable time and energy to…

Discusses literature readability in foreign language classrooms. Gives results of study stressing use of predictive statistical device to determine difficulty students will encounter when reading specific literary texts. Suggests linguistic complexity of a text affects accessibility, comprehensibility, and enjoyability, and this should be looked…

All language teachers, even those committed to teaching language in context, must occasionally provide examples of grammatical or syntactic structures. When searching for effective examples, teachers can evaluate them by asking the following questions: (1) Considering the context and content, is the use of the target structure appropriate?; (2)…

Many unexplored possibilities remain for comprehensive and systematic use of popular song in the foreign language classroom. The song is both a pedagogical tool (for listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, culture, and history) and a subject for literary study. (Author/MSE)

While the usual uses of dictionaries in second-language learning (decoding and direct translation) are often nonproductive, there are good reasons for teaching dictionary use to language students. The dictionary is an interesting and essential resource, and a tool for lifelong learning. (MSE)

Suggests appropriate kinds of texts and ways foreign language teachers can lead students through readings that build understanding of the target culture. Examples presented regarding Spanish are applicable to other beginning language courses. (Author/CB)

A one-week Elderhostel course in survival Spanish focused on introducing students to the basic sound system and enough basic structure and vocabulary items to enjoy travel. Experiences with material selection and student receptiveness are outlined. (MSE)

Four hypotheses of language use and acquisition are used to support the suggestion that story-telling techniques may be helpful in making ESL materials meaningful, recallable, and comprehensible. Eleven specific principles are discussed and illustrated. (Author/MSE)

The design of instructional and reference materials for French language teaching is discussed, focusing on design principles that facilitate individual, independent learning of vocabulary. (MSE)

Early programs for computer-assisted language learning were limited in size and power by the capabilities of the first generation of microcomputers. As these capabilities have increased, it has become possible for language teachers to take advantage of tools originally intended for use in the business world, such as word processors, spreadsheets,…

A discussion of computer software evaluation for second-language instruction concludes that it is important to match the purpose of the software with the teacher's goals, have good instructions, receive clear and appropriate feedback, and promote productive interaction with the student. (11 references) (MSE)

The problems and value of television as instructional material for the second-language classroom are discussed, and a new videocassette series produced by the journal "Francais dans le Monde" is described. Criteria for topic and segment selection are outlined, and suggestions are made for classroom use. (MSE)

Big books, magnified or enlarged versions of children's books, are recommended for use in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom. The big book approach is based on the idea that shared reading and enlarged texts support joint adult-child participation in the reading process and emphasizes reading for meaning and enjoyment rather than…

Authentic video material designed for its entertainment value rather than language teaching is a rich and exciting source of video software for instruction in English as a second language (ESL). Available authentic material falls into two categories: off-air recordings of television broadcasts and videocassettes for rental or purchase. This…

This guide presents, discusses and describes a selection of games and puzzles for school second language instruction. The first chapter discusses the value of these activities in language teaching, including the psychology of problem-solving, the process of motivating and involving students, three key questions to ask about games in the classroom…