Focuses on communicative language-teaching (CLT), which holds that language-learning is learning to communicate and that it encourages students to communicate from the beginning. CLT creates communicative needs by implementing task-based activities in the classroom, e.g., self-introductions, obtaining information, and social small talk. (eight…

In a response to the preceding article, this one overviews an alternative approach to the study of second language acquisition (SLA). The article attempts to clear a pathway into other disciplines whose premises and empirical findings may help SLA researchers to reconfigure theoretical and pedagogical concerns with language and learning. (22…

Emphasizes that traditional textbook explanations of the preterite and imperfect tend to focus on their aspectual differences. The article argues that a comprehensive analysis of the interaction of these two tenses in narration must go beyond aspect to include their respective temporal and discourse properties. (30 references) (Author/CK)

Addresses the application of corpus resources and research methods, through concordance programs, to vocabulary study in second-language programs. The article attempts to demonstrate that a corpus linguist's use of his access to large quantities of data to observe the relational and distributional properties of linguistic phenomena can be usefully…

Contends that second language learners need to have a strong grasp of the reading process for school success. Explains how three intervention strategies (t-charts, sticky notes, and key words) were employed to give students an understanding of the reading process. Concludes that using t-charts helped students organize their thoughts, and using…

Provides a critical examination and reassessment of the history of computer assisted language learning (CALL), and argues for three new strategies--restricted, open, and integrated. Offers definitions and descriptions of the three approaches and argues that they allow a more detailed analysis of institutions and classrooms than earlier analyses.…

Four classroom techniques are presented for teaching English-as-a-Second-Language. They focus on analysis of conversational styles, debate, mystery personalities, and learning styles. (Author/VWL)

A forum article on teaching English as communication examines the focus on the learning, developing a communicative curriculum, sociolinguistic issues, and teacher education. Two comments are provided on the article, and the author responds to these comments. (Author/VWL)

In addressing the theme of transition in learning languages, describes aspects of three projects. Data are drawn from the projects to highlight issues in context, culture, and communication and principles that support transition and continuity in learning languages. (Author/VWL)

Highlights strategies and processes implemented across two schools as part of the Languages Focus Schools project in Australia. The intention was to improve outcomes for student learning in Spanish through a streamlined approach to programming, assessment, and transition from the first year of primary school to Grade 9, with a focus on the middle…

Presents one teacher's evaluation of his own English-as-a-Second/Foreign-Language teaching materials produced in response to a textbook "gap" in Japan. Focuses on a consciousness-raising exercise created to elucidate clearly the difference between two grammatical forms. (Author/VWL)

Describes the acquisition, frequency, and function of the English articles ("a,""the," and "O"--the zero article). Explains the two types of zero article (zero and null), and shows how these occur in alternation with "a" and "the." Also provides a framework for the presentation of the articles in the classroom at the beginning, intermediate, and…

Reflects upon the nature of theory-driven computer assisted second language learning (CALL), particularly as it relates to the courseware development process. The study examines the implications for theory-driven CALL as well as the concept of "fit" between the theoretical framework or pedagogy and the computer's capabilities. The study addresses…

Reviews research demonstrating that reading texts with a particular perspective facilitates comprehension and increases reader interest. Suggests approaches to the teaching of texts that provide learners with purpose, including student-generated text collections, communicative tasks with reading components and interest tasks. (31 references)…

Current methodologies of foreign language instruction have, for different reasons, proven to be lacking. This article makes a plea for computer-supported instruction that can efficiently take over purely cognitive and mechanical tasks (pronunciation and listening comprehension exercises, grammar and reading lessons). Difficulties that hinder…