Discusses the results of a study designed to observe, compare, and assess the teaching practices used in two language programs (French and Spanish). The study was conducted to find out just how different proficiency-oriented and acquisition-oriented classes are. (five references) (GLR)

An example of an integrated sequence is provided that demonstrates how language learners are autonomous in their language use and are responsible for the pace, direction, and outcome of their work. It is suggested that establishing a principled connection between tasks modelled on natural sequences of language use is a key element in providing for…

A form is presented for choosing and using videotexts for video-based teaching. The form offers a number of considerations and suggestions that can be adopted and adapted by teachers, according to their needs. (21 references) (Author/VWL)

Argues for a progressive method of teaching German attributive adjective endings based on textbook analyses, other techniques, and tasks involved in processing these endings. The progressive method first presents the weak endings and introduces their cases, then presents strong endings as a special form of the der- words. (Author/JL)

Focuses on how to teach English-speaking students of Spanish the practical distinction between the verbs, "saber" (to be cognizant of) and "conocer" (to be acquainted with). This article describes a solution proposed by K. Taylor for explaining the limits of the two verbs and examines similar proposals delineated in three other Spanish textbooks.…

This article questions the presentation of rules in the classroom and explores some of the different senses of the term "rule." After making some basic distinctions, the article considers implications for the classroom and suggests there is no single approach to the presentation of grammar rules, and that learners should be encouraged to…

Describes a teaching technique in second-language instruction that develops language proficiency by stressing all forms of communication, combining the student's exposure to oral/aural input and written output. (GLR)

Postsecondary level study presents current opinions on and pedagogical uses of translation. The choice of texts, ways of using translation, preliminary analysis of text, monothematic texts as aid to translation and problem of evaluation are discussed. (LET)

An approach to teaching foreign languages that acknowledges the importance of individual readers' responses to literary texts read in the course is discussed. (20 references) (VWL)

Results gained by traditional language teaching at school are discussed, and a program, developed from research on second-language acquisition, is presented for teaching second language in schools that entails two phases. (13 references) (JL)

Argues that the Guided Induction presentation is superior to a deductive one for the teaching of certain grammatical structures to beginning foreign language students. A study is presented that compared both approaches when applied to the learning of French grammatical structures by beginning level U.S. college students. (25 references) (GLR)

A Macintosh-based project that uses HyperCard to create computer-assisted lessons for composition classes is described. Ways that students have improved their writing skills are discussed, along with ways that the software has changed teaching techniques. (LB)

Discusses variations on the theme of personal identity that can be used in second-language instruction. Suggested techniques include "role-playing" using I.D. cards containing simple information such as name, age and physical characteristics and variations of "20 questions," where students must guess a mystery person's "identity" by asking…

Traditional form-focused instruction is compared with processing instruction, which involves explanation and practice/experience processing input data and takes learner strategies into account. Analysis of sentence-level interpretation (comprehension) and production tasks suggest significant gains for subjects receiving processing instruction. (39…

Presents a simplified binary schema of the English article system as a pedagogical tool for selecting the appropriate article, a universally acknowledged difficulty for nonnative speakers of English. (25 references) (GLR)