This study is developmental research attempting to explore a practical model to teach English speaking in distance courses via videoconferencing technology. Therefore, the Dick and Carey instructional model design is used as guidelines in developing a proposed English Speaking Teaching Model (ESTM). The research was divided into four phases. The…

A glance through the past century of language teaching gives an interesting picture of various methodologies in the field of foreign language teaching. The sudden break-out of World War II heightened the need for proficient language speakers. The US Army provided fund for specific language courses that focused on aural-oral skills under the…

A discussion of the role of goals and objectives in proficiency-oriented second language instruction looks at goals and objectives within audiolingual language learning, a procedure for goal design, the close link between goals, objectives, and classroom objectives, and several activities derived from objectives. (MSE)

Suggests restructuring language programs to capitalize on the visual medium through use of video-based second language instruction. Gives examples of video-based language activities developed over four years at World English Center, University of San Francisco. (Author/BK)

Approaches to the testing of foreign language proficiency have tended to mirror prevailing philosophies in foreign language teaching, and for many years, no serious effort was made to devise oral proficiency measures. However, after World War II, structural linguistics applied to the classroom produced audiolingualism, which was a method heavily…

Describes language lab listening activity designed to serve needs of the English as a second language class comprised of students at different levels of language proficiency, divergent native languages, multicultural backgrounds, and varying levels of formal education. Multilevel tasks are drawn from a common text, allowing students to do…

This instructor's handbook of ten listening comprehension exercises, each consisting of 30 unrelated paragraphs, is part of the basic course in Indonesian. Beginning with the 36th week of instruction, the exercises are introduced at the rate of one per week. After hearing each paragraph, listeners have 10 seconds to indicate which of four English…

Discusses whether the proficiency approach to teaching Arabic, which is now advocated, is really functional enough to suit true needs of students, and whether the debate concerning proficiency is becoming so polarized as to make impossible real discussion of the issues. Trends and changes that have occurred in the Arabic language over the decades…

Reports a study undertaken in Bahrain secondary schools to assess the contribution of tape recorders to learning outcomes in English as a Second Language (ESL). Findings revealed that students' proficiency correlated significantly with their perception of the frequency and skill with which their teacher use a tape recorder. (20 references)…

English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) student writers are often labeled as having poor language proficiency skills, poor writing skills, and poor organizational skills. These labels can negatively affect teachers and students. They have become yardsticks for guiding teachers' instruction and measuring students' performance. Often, ESL writing…