In the coda chapter of the special issue on second language (L2) practice and cognitive psychology, we proposed a theoretical framework for optimizing and researching L2 practice (Suzuki, Nakata, & DeKeyser, 2019). Rogers and Leow's commentary (2020) raised three potential issues regarding this framework, and the present response article aims…

This article presents the process of recent curricular revision and material development in English at the national level in India in a limited way. Teachers' needs and wants, their participation in the development of materials, the dilemmas of teachers and their implications for classroom transactions are discussed from the experiences of one of…

Describes an information gap procedure to teach a new structure which requires students to look for and exchange information in order to complete a task in an English as a second language class. Illustrates the method with a set of materials and suggests ways for teachers to produce similar materials. (SED)

Discusses two questions any language-teaching approach has to consider: (1) the component of a language on which to focus; and (2) how the linguistic material can be acquired more efficiently than in the past. Five principles for efficient acquisition of 5,000 vocabulary words are outlined, and the RALEX approach is explained. (SED)

Outlines strategies for teaching listening comprehension which can be adapted to foreign language programs. The initial stage is to make the students aware of the skill of listening for comprehension. Then follows strategies that demand purposeful reactions from the students, including instruction activities, command activities, personal-choice…

Describes and differentiates the main types of integrated language and content instruction, presents arguments in favor of it, discusses some of the promising materials and programs currently in place or under development, and identifies priorities for the 1990s. (40 references) (GLR)

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…

Suggestions are offered for using the following items in the English as a second language (ESL) classroom: mail-order catalogs, maps, photograph albums, and posters. A sample lesson plan for one week is provided. (JB)

Simplification of text as a pedagogical technique in second language instruction implies: (1) the selection of a restricted set of features from the full range of foreign language resources (linguistic simplification) and/or (2) the rearrangement of content of foreign language messages (content simplification) for purposes of instructional…

Perspectives on and methods in second language teaching have changed rapidly during the past 10 years. So also have the role and function of the language laboratory and the laboratory instructor. One area of concern, listening, has been somewhat neglected; generally it has been taught toward the end of increasing speaking proficiency. A review of…

The demand for cross-cultural understanding and a global approach to education can be met only by introducing culturally and globally oriented content into instruction across a spectrum of subjects. While each subject area defines its own contribution to enhancing awareness of other cultures and of the interconnectedness of learning and the world,…

Foreign language teachers are encouraged to participate in developing computer courseware. Advantages include the potential for higher quality and more plentiful materials, increased confidence with computers, and the kind of discipline a computer affords in focusing on and organizing an exercise. (MSE)

Discusses a number of principles to bear in mind when designing and implementing multimedia language learning materials. A general overview is provided on the template approach to designing and creating a multimedia computer assisted language learning package. Examples are given from experience in multimedia development for language learning…

The second language teacher who wishes to meet the needs of students will supplement a well-chosen textbook with innovative instructional content and methods. The crucial element in deciding what and how to teach is learner characteristics. Discovering learning styles is especially important. The need to supplement textbook material arises…

Argues that English-as-a-second-language teachers who develop their own instructional materials are more able to consider their students' interests and needs and are also more able to teach relevant content and language. (Author/CB)