The planning of foreign language teaching must be based on a theory of instruction specifically geared to foreign language learning. The approach of the "Berlin School" is recommended. Proceeding inductively from content and methodological concepts, the communicative goal can be defined. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Describes a language-learning simulation based on unedited news obtained directly from one of its major sources. Outlines objectives of both substantive and performance media simulations and their importance to second language learning activities. Provides guidelines on the technology needed to access the news from press agencies. (SED)

Discusses both the pedagogical arguments and the psycholinguistic rationale for small-group work in the second language classroom. Claims that the negotiation work possible in group actiity makes it an attractive alternative to the teacher-led discussion. Reviews research findings on interlanguage which generally support the claims made for group…

Discusses the difficulty students of English as a second language have in pronouncing words that contain the "Invisible Y," words such as "continue,""ridiculous," and "community." Presents the rules governing the use of the "Invisible Y" and discusses how standard orthography can be used as a pronunciation resource for learners. (SED)

Surveys the literature regarding the use of behavioral objectives in education and in foreign language instruction and examines the roots of the behavioral objectives movement in behaviorist psychology and the scientific management movement of the 1920s. Discusses implications for foreign and second language learning and provides suggestions for…

Looks at devices that stimulate intralinguistic thinking patterns, that is, patterns that can only be induced by the structures and forms of the target language without any dependency upon native-language patterns. Focuses on problem-solving activities that help the learner develop modes of thought that can be solved "Italian." (SED)

Although second language pedagogy has tended increasingly toward simulation, role-playing, and natural communication, it has not profited from existing research on natural learning in second languages. The emphasis should be on understanding how the processes of guided learning and natural learning differ, psychologically and sociologically, and…

Discusses the important role of background knowledge in a psycholinguistic model of EFL/ESL reading and demonstrates the relevance of schema-theoretic views of reading to the teaching of reading to EFL/ESL students. Also discusses classroom implications of the schema-theoretic view and suggests techniques for bringing about reader-centered EFL/ESL…

Starting with H.W. Seliger's distinction between second language learning strategies (abstract cognitive functions used to acquire knowledge) and learning tactics (activities learner uses to acquire language), presents the most important tactics and comments on which learner characteristics and teaching methods take advantage of them. Tactics…

Suggests that there are three phases in the foreign language teaching/learning process through which the learner progresses from dependence on the teacher to independence in utterance. These phases are: (1) presentation, (2) precommunicative activity, and (3) communicative activity. The second phase, which is often passed over, is discussed in…

Six- and seven-year-old children in Soviet Georgia learned the Russian language in prolonged day programs by means of experimental teaching techniques. The teaching methods involved two major principles: (1) only Russian was used throughout the teaching/learning situation; and (2) instruction was through children's "nonlearning"…

Discusses the differences in the processes used in reading in a first language and in a second language. Presents some current definitions of reading and details those principles and activities most likely to advance the comprehension process for foreign language learners. Offers a classroom plan for developing reading comprehension. (SED)

Discusses June Phillips' article, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading." Cites studies, most of which support Phillips' assertions, especially her five-stage process for reading instruction. Recommends the development of teacher training and instructional materials based on this research. Also discusses text selection,…

Discusses and praises June Phillips' article, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading" and presents more applications of the research she cited. Questions her description of the psycholinguistic processes involved in second language reading. Contrasts the process strategies involved in word processing and text processing,…

Reviews the literature on listening comprehension in language classes, especially Heidi Byrnes' article, "The Role of Listening Comprehension: A Theoretical Base," with a view to adding practical elements to Byrnes' linguistic analysis. Lists steps necessary to produce proficient listeners and given examples of programs which follow…