This book highlights the roles of several individual difference (ID) variables on the language learning process, exploring them from both the students' and the teachers' perspectives. It presents the results of a large-scale, mixed-methods investigation which was conducted with secondary school pupils and their teachers in Hungary. The…

Foreign language teachers can tap the appeal of video successfully and enjoyably in the foreign language classroom. Potential difficulties include length of feature films and difficulty in understanding the language and story simultaneously. The instructor must select materials and equipment carefully and commit considerable time and energy to…

Smith's approach to reading comprehension is used as the basis of an activity related to the Use of English Exam in Hong Kong. The eight-step activity is described and shown to combine sound reading theory with an academic, test-oriented syllabus. (3 references) (LB)

Management skills are important in teaching young learners. Time spent in planning and organizing routines and systems--e.g., group and pair work routines--pays off once these become familiar. It is then possible to delegate simple responsibilities to the learners and concentrate on working with and monitoring those most in need. (Contains two…

This paper describes a combining arrangement in which language learners work in teams and are forced to communicate with each other to obtain correct information to complete certain work. Active participation helps develop language and communication skills. Several variations on the technique are described. (CHK)

Role of repetition in language outside the classroom is discussed and applied to the language classroom context. It is argued that repetition continues to be highly relevant to language learning but that it needs to be placed in the context of an activity with motivational power and one in which repetition itself is not the obvious aim. (16…

A classroom second-language teaching technique that integrates drawing and language as self-expression is described, and specific classroom activities are outlined and illustrated. In this technique, students draw pictures that represent word meanings or tell stories, or complete or correct pictures presented to them. (six references) (MSE)

A technique, referred to as "Personalities," for helping students practice second-language conversational skills is described. The exercise can teach and review vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural information. (Author/LB)

Five activities help students learn a language while fostering cooperation and spirit among the students. They include same or different words, a vocabulary review called "Grab the Tail," a mental activity "triangle," a crossword puzzle-type grid, and chains of words called "From This to That." (LB)

Examines the use of dramatic techniques as tools for learning in the second language classroom. Discusses different ways to use improvisation. (EKN)

Total Physical Response is a strategy for learning second languages developed by James J. Asher. The Tomatis program, developed in France by Alfred Tomatis, is a method for treating dyslexia and communication problems and is also used for teaching basic elements of foreign languages. Suggestology is a psychotherapeutic system based on yogic…

This paper demonstrates effective strategies for helping Taiwanese English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students participate in extensive and active viewing of Chinese-subtitled films outside of the classroom, focusing on how appropriate strategies for watching Chinese-subtitled Hollywood films in authentic viewing environments can guide students…

Provides a general overview of factors affecting foreign language learning, and discusses how they are related to one another. (EKN)

A modified version of the traditional dictation exercise is recommended in order to answer two unmet needs which caused such exercises to fall into disfavor: the systematic teaching of specific points, and the use of authentic linguistic samples. (JB)

Treats the suitability of Level 2, a program designed to teach French as a Foreign Language. The goal of the program is learner autonomy. The use of authentic materials and an emphasis on culture are recommended. (AG)