Looks at the controversial position of grammar in writing methodology and attempts to lay out a number of guidelines for the inclusion of grammar in composition classes specifically intended for English-as-a-Foreign-Language, rather than English-as-a-Second-Language contexts. (Author/VWL)

Discusses a pilot study using synchronous electronic chats combined with task-based instruction (TBI) to enhance learners' communication skills. TBI focuses on the two-way exchange of information on real-life topics. Shows that computer-mediated communication using less structure-controlled but more open-ended exchange had a significant impact on…

Provides techniques converged from two different angles (learners and tourism English features) for effective tourism English teaching in a junior college in Korea. Used a questionnaire, needs analysis, an instrument for measuring learners' strategies for oral communication, a small-scale classroom study for learners' preferred teaching…

Provides suggestions for helping nonnative English speakers in planning and delivering an effective presentation. Topics covered include the following: fears, choosing a topic, planning, title/summary/abstract, equipment, delivery, and evaluation of the present. (Author/VWL)

Examined the effectiveness of computer assisted language learning among two groups of students enrolled in an intermediate French course. One group of students spent more time each week in a computer laboratory than did a second group of students. Overall, students who spent more time in the laboratory had higher class averages at the end of the…

Describes an instructional model that promotes students' mastery of academic subject matter and language skills and develops respectful camaraderie between English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and non-ESL instructors. (Author/VWL)

This classroom tip focuses on sustained-content language teaching. The game described--content wizard-- illustrates a practical technique for incorporating a range of language and academic skills into subject matter lessons for English-as-a-Second-Language learners. (Author/VWL)

Explores topicalization in the Chinese-English translation classroom. Examines translation in language teaching, Advocates translation as a useful skill and discusses it as a means of mastering a foreign language--in this case, English. (Author/VWL)

In this article, the author focuses on the best way to teach English to English-language learners. Some researchers say the English-only approach short-changes English learners in the long run. Here, results from a five-year study by the Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence, which examined 200,000 K-12 Spanish-speaking…

The Teaching/Learning Centers (TLC) model is based on the assumption that the best foundation for meaningful, sustained, and transformative professional development is laid when teachers assess the particular needs for their school site, plan and implement professional development background. It is concluded that the TLC model of professional…

The learners of English language are taught the art of communication by assisting them to read, express ideas and opinions and using strategies skillfully. These learners can acquire academic English if they recognize that the best instructional practices for English as Secondary Language (ESL) students are best practices for all students.

This article provides an empirically based perspective on the contribution of conversation analysis (CA) and sociocultural theory to our understanding of learners' second language (L2) practices within what we call a strong socio-interactionist perspective. It explores the interactive (re)configuration of tasks in French second language…

This article explores some roles for conversation analysis (CA) as an approach to second and foreign language learning by examining the initial segment of a Gesprachsrunde, a dyadic conversation-for-learning conducted between a beginning learner of German as a foreign language and a native speaker of German. The analysis focuses on the situated…

Tertiary institutions increasingly offer language advisory sessions for second language students and staff. Advisers help students to identify language and learning needs, they recommend resources and strategies and they provide feedback and encouragement. Especially in the first few sessions, identifying and prioritising needs are arguably among…

Extensive reading has for many years been seen as an important and motivating means of improving general language proficiency in a second language. This article argues that while extensive reading per se is an important medium for long-term second language acquisition, extensive reading schemes may not be the most effective means of promoting…