Discusses current literature dealing with the pedagogical implications of the ACTFL Provisional Proficiency Guidelines. The argument that grammatical accuracy needs to be stressed from the beginning of instruction is reviewed in the light of second language acquisition research, and it is suggested that such emphasis on grammatical correctness is…

Provides a brief overview of S. Krashen's language acquisition theory. Examples of exercises on French-English cognates are provided, and the role of cognates and of exercises on them in relation to the monitor theory is discussed. (SED)

Simulation activities provide opportunities to focus on the individual's contribution, encourage creativity, and build self-esteem. These activities can help develop social skills and understanding of other cultures by fostering attitudes of tolerance and sensitivity. (Examples of simulations are included.) (SED)

Describes practical conclusion of a study carried out in Israel which investigated the potential effects of role play on communicative competence, motivation and underachieving foreign language learners. The discussion focuses on a suggested procedure, prerequisites and limitations, the positive effects of role play, and its educational value and…

Reviews the theoretical foundations of current-second language acquisition models. Draws upon this research as well as upon various studies of memory and verbal-input processing to present a theoretical model of adult second language comprehension. Discusses the implications of comprehension theory for second-language teaching. (Author/SED)

Describes an experimental oral communication course designed around weekly, structured field trips to sites where students typically need to communicate in English. Students taking this course were also enrolled in a grammar-based English as a second-language course and were compared with a control group taking only the grammar-based course. (SED)

Describes two instruments for eliciting student beliefs about language learning and teaching--the Foreign Language Survey (FLAS) and the Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI). Representative responses of prospective teachers are discussed to demonstrate the usefulness of this information for the foreign language methods class. (SED)

Research on second language reading and writing development in children suggests (1) children who speak little English are reading some of the print in their environment, (2) they can read English before they have complete oral control of it, (3) their comprehension is influenced by their knowledge and culture, and (4) their second language…

Argues that the "communicative approach" to second-language teaching ignores possible differences in students' needs, interests, and responses. Describes a survey of students' attitudes at a secondary school in Spain and three experiments on the interaction between the first and the target languages and on the effectiveness of communicative and…

Examines assumptions about second language acquisition by means of the anatomical model described in Part 1 of the study (see vol. 6, no. 2 of this journal). The analysis shows that the assumptions are rooted in the Direct Method and that they retard learning. Implications for second language instruction are noted. (SED)

Examines a method of using computers in teaching English as a second language to promote functional use of language. Describes the development of language through a communicative approach where the use of English focuses on the task of graphic design, and where one student teaches another. (EKN)

The conventions of TV comedy, particularly in the two-man comedy team, have a role to play in the teaching of English as a foreign language. They offer situations where the normal language is both natural and repetitive, and where emotional states common to interpersonal communication can be exemplified. (Author/CFM)

Proposes language games for learning French which stress creativity. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Some notes on what we have found out about how, when and why we are teaching French. (Editor)

A study demonstrated that reading skills are transferable from one language to another. Suggestions are made for increasing facility in reading a foreign language. (RM)