Virtual reality (VR) has garnered increasing attention as a pedagogical tool for language learning. Yet, despite the many affordances of using virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs), there remains a paucity of research investigating the use of VRLEs for English for academic purposes (EAP). While BALEAP '19 conference presentations related…

In this article the author honors Dr. Brian Tomlinson's distinguished career and his standing as one of the world's leading experts on materials development in English language teaching and learning. Noting Tomlinson's ability to touch the professional lives of his colleagues, the author hopes that a journey through his own personal career and how…

Many EFL/ESL college students, enrolled in colleges and universities that use English as a medium of instruction have difficulty understanding lectures in specialized courses delivered in English such as engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and others. To help students improve their listening…

This paper navigates into the "YouTube" website as one of the most usable online tools to learn languages these days. The paper focuses on two issues in creating "YouTube" language learning videos: pedagogy and technology. After observing the existing "YouTube" LLVs, the study presents a novel rubric that is directed…

Some ways of producing quality software for language instruction are discussed, including three kinds of systems: authoring or template, freeform, and hybrid. Special features and possible advantages and disadvantages of each type are considered. (Author/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 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)

Examines the use of local English-language newspapers as pedagogical aids in the English-language teaching classroom in Pakistan, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of such learning activities and calling for more linguistic tolerance and acceptance of local varieties of English. (Author/CB)

The use of mother tongue materials in teaching literacy to an 18-year-old Chilean ESL student is described. The materials, initially used for motivation, were later used for translation and other translation-related teaching. Two writing styles and work from Spanish to English and English to Spanish are discussed. (MSE)

A three-phase procedure for developing instructional units, which when used with professional development can enhance teachers' understanding and implementation of Canada's National Core French Study multidimensional curriculum, is described. The procedure includes reflection, production, and piloting phases. (Author/MSE)

A guide to courseware authoring aids for computer-assisted language instruction (CALIS) gives suggestions for the selection and use of programing options and provides an annotated listing of those options. Introductory sections discuss the use of computer-assisted language teaching, the selection of quality courseware, the types of authoring aids…

In addition to using films in the German classroom to introduce students to German culture and history, it is important to show and study the film as film. This procedure emphasizes the importance of the film as a part of creative arts in Germany and demands student participation in observation and discussion. Many German silent films are…

A slide/tape program, composed of photographs taken from Spanish magazines and a recorded commentary, was used to teach students of Spanish about the culture of Spain. The program also provided students with incentive and direction for exploring a wide range of cultural information in Spanish magazines. (CB)