This book is the first to focus specifically on born-digital texts in EFL teaching, uniting international and innovative scholarship with practical classroom applications. The book develops a theoretically sound framework for curriculum, materials and methods design that takes into account the growing ubiquity of born-digital texts in the digital…

It is a fact that each individual is unique. This uniqueness can be physical, emotional, intellectual and/or spiritual. It follows then that in any given learning environment each learner has unique abilities and needs. Consequently, classrooms everywhere, even if they are streamed, are of a mixed-ability nature. Having recognised this factor in…

Three vehicles for programming for computer-assisted language instruction are compared: general-purpose programming languages, educational programming languages, and educational authoring systems. Their advantages and disadvantages for a variety of purposes and circumstances are examined as well as the differences in time and energy required for…

Recent experimentation with audio-visual (A-V) materials has provided insight into the language learning process. Researchers and teachers alike have recognized the importance of using A-V materials to achieve goals related to meaningful and relevant communication, retention and recall of language items, non-verbal aspects of communication, and…

A kit using the concept of puzzles as a focus for developing self-correcting instructional materials for French language teaching is described. The kit, designed for teachers and including 47 ideas organized by theme, contains matrices and cards for a variety of exercises at various levels and suggestions for their use. (MSE)

Trivial Pursuit is a fascinating and popular game most students are familiar with in English. Most are also eager to play it in a foreign language, with the result that inhibitions about speaking are reduced or eliminated and many structures are used. The game is available in German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Some questions about…

This collection of five essays and supporting material concerning foreign language proficiency makes specific and controversial statements about what proficiency means for diverse groups of practitioners: the classroom teacher, the curriculum developer, the language-learning researcher, the textbook publisher, and the businessperson. An…

Discusses ways to change foreign language teaching in the British school system so that more students achieve A level passes. Covers such topics as the first term, topic-based work, material choice, sources and resources, equipment, foreign exchange visits, listening and speaking practice, reading and writing practice, translation, homework, and…

Suggestions for combining cultural exposure and language instruction through class activities geared to American holidays are outlined. General information about gathering holiday-related realia and instructional materials from local newspapers and magazines is provided, and four specific holidays are highlighted. For each holiday, sources of…

Teacher-made visual aids (as opposed to the commerical variety) for adults are evaluated. These materials are put in perspective through a determination of their relationship to current theories of visual learning, design, color, and size. Reasons for their continued applicability for adult students are considered. A description of the uses of a…

An approach to teaching the paradigmatic and reciprocal uses of the "se" construction in Spanish is presented. A system of eight basic categories of the paradigmatic reflexives is outlined, including "do-it-yourself," reciprocal, reflexive of change, consumer, reflexive of interest, optional, change of meaning, and reflexive-only classifications.…

While most people know how conversations, narratives, and other types of discourse are created in their native language, it is difficult for students to know how they are created in a second language. To deal with texts in a new language, the learner needs extensive exposure to a variety of language in realistic situations. The immediate recall…

Several articles of interest to teachers of English as a second language (ESL) are included. "The Three-Tier Approach to Reading in the Subject Area" described by Trevor McQuinn consists of a procedure for developing lessons based on the need to teach vocabulary, comprehension, and literacy. "Teaching Beginning Reading: An Interview with Virginia…

Discusses some of the reasons why idioms are difficult for second language learners to learn, including the fact that most materials for teaching idioms are inadequate. Criteria are suggested for choosing idioms to teach; 10 activities are described which will help students understand and produce idiomatic English. (Author/SED)

Techniques for more effective use of foreign language periodicals intended for second language instruction are outlined from the point of view of those who prepare those publications. (MSE)