Argues that fostering learner autonomy is an important and appropriate goal in language course design, but that principles to guide the design of such courses are currently lacking. Proposes five course design principles for language courses that seek to promote learner autonomy. (Author/VWL)

Compares Organizing Principle, multi-syllabus, and modular approaches to second language course design and suggests a modular course design that offers the greatest flexibility for both the instructor and for future course planning by allowing the instructor to link various elements of this approach according to methodology and student needs.…

This article is derived from a lecture broadcast on the BBC World Service, in which the author takes the reader on a journey to visit selected features of contemporary English in use, with the intent of pointing out to the traveler some implications for the presentation of language in textbooks and other curriculum documents. (nine references)…

Summarizes the purpose and essential aspects of learner training and examines the extent to which this training is presented and developed in seven recently published general English language coursebooks for adult students of English as a Second Language. The analysis extends and develops a previous similar discussion. (10 references) (Author/CK)

A brief review of current trends in syllabus design is presented with particular focus on one attempt to implement a negotiated process syllabus for English-as-a-Second-Language teaching classes. Anticipated problems; teacher and student reactions; and the success of such aspects as learning rooms, tangible end-products, and teaching pairs are…

Analyzes through Indian eyes the current role and status of English in India and examines what can be done to turn the use of this language to Indian advantage. Notes the author is largely in agreement with Mark Tully's article in this issue regarding the colonial legacy of English in India. Explains how he differs with Tully's answers to the…

Argues that strong ethnocentrism exists in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages) in Western English-speaking countries, and that teacher educators in these countries neglect the special needs of international students. Specifies the major needs of this group and offers suggestions for meeting them, particularly in the areas of…

Questions the removal of a link between reading and writing tasks in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations on two grounds: that this removal is prejudicial to those students whose native cultures may not provide the appropriate schemata to effectively write; and that it is unrealistic in terms of the measurement of…

Studied the motivation and psychosocial needs of students in a General English classroom who were not connecting with the main coursebook. Results of a questionnaire revealed the learners' recognition of their needs and uncovered the problem's source and materials designed for solution. Course and materials design can be based directly on needs…

A series of twelve books on language teaching, written over a period of ten years, is reviewed. The series' intent is to promote the practice of informed teaching to empower student teachers to act as autonomous agents and to make considered pedagogic choices, based on sound theoretical knowledge, according to their particular teaching/learning…