Focuses on humor and the role that it plays in the development and maintenance of class cohesion. Presents findings from a two-phase qualitative study that examined the belief systems of experienced English language teachers and documented the social evolution of eight classes of adult language learners from a range of cultural and linguistic…

In 2004, in response to the need to revise oral practice and assessment in the second semester of Beginners French at Monash University, an eight-week group-based theatre project was developed and trialled. A specially adapted version of Tardieu's absurdist play "Le Guichet" was used to give students the opportunity to focus on oral…

The introductory pages from the "Facilitator's Guidebook" and the first 10 days of lesson plans translated into English comprise appendix A of this excerpt from a handbook for teaching English to adults. The purpose is to give the reader an idea of the guidebook's design and pattern of activities, as well as information about how the program's…

After a discussion of cognitive schemata, identified as representing a "gestalt" stored in human memory, this paper explores three pedagogical modes: the use of drama, humor, and suspense in the classroom. Ways that each pertain to cognitive and communication theory are discussed, and classroom examples of how each mode provides…

This (London) group teaches English by presenting short humorous skits, in which a language problem is unobtrusively presented. Afterwards the audience repeats the pattern(s), which a member of the group pronounces for them. At the end of each unit, a rousing song is sung, with all joining in the refrain. (IFS/WGA)

Cartoons can be a stimulating and motivational force in the language classroom and, used effectively, can become an indispensible tool in the acquisition of language and culture. (Author/DB)

Presents a quiz for use in the advanced English classroom that introduces language learners to a variety of amusing slang expressions and idioms. The learner is led to consider the possibility of a little-known rule in English: male=positive, female=negative, and is offered an opportunity for discussion and vocabulary building. (Author/VWL)

In the past few years researchers have begun to show an interest in humour and language play as it relates to second language learning (SLL). Tarone (2000) has suggested that L2 language play may be facilitative of SLL, in particular by developing sociolinguistic competence, as learners experiment with L2 voices; and by destabilizing the…

The Arabic language used in Egypt is traditionally divided into two major types: classical and colloquial. The idea is that classical or literary Arabic is to be found mostly in formal writing and speaking, whereas colloquial Arabic is used mainly in daily conversation. When it comes to actual usage, however, this distinction is not always clearly…

In this study, Turkish EFL students' conceptualization of an effective English language teacher is studied. A survey formerly developed by Yu-Hsin (1999) was adapted and administered to 100 foreign language learners studying at two state universities' English language preparatory schools. Also, participants' written responses were collected to…

Outlines a series of humorous classroom activities and games using novel combinations of words and word parts for vocabulary development. (MSE)

American comic strips and cartoons can be useful in English-as-a-second-language classes. They introduce variety and provide an inside look into American life and thought. Many current popular comic strips have cultural, social, and political significance and discuss the American way of life, society, and the individual. The…

These three journals of contemporary cultural, historical, and social interest contain activities designed to enhance the awareness of students of Spanish as a foreign language regarding the entire panorama of daily life in Spain. Number 21 focuses on the role of modern Spanish women; their career status; female authors; and the changing place of…

Presents an annotated guide to humorous materials in French, including cartoons, poems, brief texts, and comic books, which may be used to introduce humor in the French classroom. References to other articles on this subject appearing in this journal are also included. (AM)

This study examines the use of teacher and student humor in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom. A summary and synthesis of previous research on theories of humor, humor and its use in society, and applications of humor revealed its importance as an object of study. An analysis of audiotaped transcripts of samples of ESL classes…