Problems in teaching English suprasegmental features, particularly stress differences, to Malay speakers are described. A small research project at Universiti Brunei Darussalam suggests that the SIL Speech Analysis System is useful in teaching phonetics and improving students' pronunciation. (Contains six references.) (LB)

The group discussion test has gained prominence as a measure of oral interaction skills in second-language learning. This article reviews test types and administration, the communicative nature of the test, development of criteria and rating scales, and advantages. A sample rating scale is appended. (Contains 15 references.) (LB)

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…

The problem of devising a course in business communications for students of English as a Second or Foreign Language is addressed. A way to approach course design in general is described, using creative problem solving and decision making and a partial linguistic analysis of business writing. (one reference) (LB)

Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most complex aspects of both theory and practice of foreign language teaching and learning. A content-based approach to curricular development is advocated that incorporates four elements: starter (brainstorming), treatment, "good language learner" awareness training, and critical analysis. (Contains…

Current newspaper articles are used in the form of a weekly short quiz in advanced English reading classes at Nara University of Education. The quiz focuses on the articles' immediacy as a motivating factor for Japanese students who have lost some motivation after passing the university entrance examinations. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

In multiracial, multireligious Singapore, English is the official language, but a cultural awakening suggests the need for new approaches. Methods are suggested for teaching culture within a language context, and ways to teach about marriage in different cultures are presented. (Contains eight references.) (LB)

"Taiguu hyoogen," which refers to expressions chosen to express levels of politeness and formality in Japanese, is described as a requirement for socialization and a key component in language teaching. Pedagogical implications are discussed. (Contains 17 references.) (LB)

Interview data gathered from students in a New Zealand English-as-a-Second-Language program form the basis of a discussion of autonomous behavior in language learning. It is noted that autonomous language learning has advantages over teacher-dominated learning but that it cannot simply be "clipped on" to existing programs. (Contains…

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…

Participants in classroom discourse must be able to see, hear, speak, and be heard. In managing these aspects of the language classroom, the teacher must also command various strategies for managing students'"face"--the right to contribute or not, the right to acceptance of one's contribution in form and content. (Contains nine…

With a view to reducing student dependence on teachers in English/English-as-a-Second-Language classes, the discussion directly addresses students on the active motivation and management of their learning. Teacher-student collaboration centers on needs analysis, performance contracts, evaluation, goal setting, and problem solving. Appendices…

Puppetry, with its universal appeal, can integrate many aspects of language teaching thanks to its flexibility in presenting concepts, stories, culture, vocabulary, etc. Discussion of the advantages touches on suggested lessons and strategies, making up dialogs, puppets as guest speakers, storytelling, and interviews. (Contains 18 references.)…

The process approach to writing requires feedback. Peer feedback (which can be encouraged and taught) and teacher feedback are complementary; they should discuss both form and content of students' written work. Spoken teacher feedback on tape and student-teacher conferences (whether individual or group) augment the teacher's usual feedback…

A reciprocal teaching procedure is described that involves four strategies: clarifying, identifying the main idea, summarizing, and predicting. Benefits are illustrated from transcripts of teacher-student interaction during adult student second-language reading classes. (Contains three references.) (LB)