Discusses incorporating current events articles from "Pravda" into Russian language classes in the U.S. as a successful means of attracting students to Russian language programs. In addition, the timely and controversial nature of many of these articles promote stimulating conversational exchanges in the classroom. (SL)

Emphasizes the need for a methodology for treating nonverbal culture in the foreign language curriculum, and describes the ways computer-based technology can present video reference material. Suggests that lack of language competence often results from the inability to interpret the nonverbal system of signs present in the foreign culture. (SL)

Introduces a critical methodology for students approaching literary French texts of the Classical period, such as Moliere. Suggests that greater understanding of the material leads to greater enjoyment. It is concluded that this type of instruction need not be limited to students of French, but rather, students of all languages could profit from…

The use of radio material for foreign language study is not new, but it has largely been limited to students at the advanced level. The concept of listening to authentic material at a very early stage of language learning is promoted, and using radio commercials effectively as supplementary materials in language classes is discussed. (SL)

Discusses the differences between language-centered teaching and learning-centered teaching methods with reference to recent trends in language program and syllabus design and innovative proposals. Also considers the reasons for the adoption and influence of methods. (SL)

Suggests that those involved in foreign language education need a greater understanding of technology in order not to fall behind the fast moving pace of the microelectronic revolution. Cites inadequate teacher-training programs and a general passivity towards the "electronic learning age" as two of the major obstacles which need to be overcome.…

Addresses one problem brought about by the confusion around the concept of communicative competence and the communicative approach to second language teaching. Considers the belief that communication, as opposed to language, should be the conceptual center of second language instruction, and then suggests a framework for representing the…

Describes a short exercise used in the English as a second language classroom which provides variety and/or a change of pace. Four-line rhyming poems with accompanying illustrations can be incorporated into activities which help students expand their vocabulary, learn new language functions and structures, and acquire intonation and stress…

Discusses the relevance of teaching "Survival Spanish" at the community college level for those students whose careers will require an understanding of the language. In addition, many professionals in the human/community service or medical fields are enrolling in such courses, in order to more competently serve the changing needs of…

In order to avoid the early problems of computer assisted instruction and the language lab, and to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency of student learning, foreign language teachers need to become proficient in the following three areas: (1) computer literacy; (2) software literacy; and (3) application literacy. (SL)

Research results of some difficulties of teaching English as a second language at the University of Compiegne (France) indicate that the target group was not well researched, their motivations and needs were not precisely analyzed, and the pedagogical approach used was nearly equivalent to that of the secondary school system. Includes response to…

Examines the techniques and strategies that have been found helpful in making the transition from heavily structure-based English courses to a more communicative approach in Sri Lankan schools. Stresses that the teachers throughout the system need to be reoriented, citing that however strong their knowledge of structure, the students are unable to…

Emphasizes that although computer technology opens the door to great possibilities for teaching language, it will only be as powerful as the programs developed to go with the machines. Since the language lab remains one of the principal tools in foreign language education, it is hoped that computer assisted instruction will reflect back onto tape…

When developing large computer-assisted instructional (CAI) courseware packages, it is suggested that there be more attentive planning to the overall package design before actual lesson development is begun. This process has been simplified by modifying the systems approach used to develop single CAI lessons, followed by planning for the…

Discusses positive and negative aspects of teaching language use--the Communicative Approach. While the Communicative Approach is learner-centered and develops the students' communicative competence, the design and current tactics of this methodology are criticized as being "decontextualized" and "abstracted." (SL)