Argues for pattern drill as an indispensable link in the learning process: presentation, explanation, practice, performance. Opponents of pattern practice are suspected of confusing goal (communication) with means (drill phase). (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

"Gambits" are conversational tools for introducing what we're about to say, such as "Excuse me for interrupting, but..." A three-part textbook series for students of English as a Second Language entitled "Gambits" contains exercises for advanced students which attempt to recreate "real-life" language…

Examines the spatial deictic features of Spanish, the study focuses on the topic's pedagogical implications for second- language learning and an accurate description of the contrast between Spanish and English deixis. The article concludes that there is a need to view Spanish spatial deictics as elements "in use" and to see them as…

Attempts to determine whether or not explicit information given to second-language learners receiving processing instruction is responsible for the beneficial effects of instruction. Results indicate that these beneficial effects derived from the structured input activities and not from the explicit explanation provided to learners. (22…

Documents a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) project implemented in an Australian university to integrate computer use into second language courses. The article focuses on the academic context, pedagogical and learner needs and constraints, the CALL materials used, the program of implementation and results. (CK)

This article describes Funetics, a game for teaching introductory French to gifted students that uses cartoon logos to represent words. The principles of logo formation and implementation are discussed. The article also reviews the psychological theory embodied in the game, how gifted students process the game, and the game's pedagogical value.…

Summarizes Hillock's findings regarding first-language composition instruction and compares them to research into second-language composition instruction. The article discusses implications for teaching writing to English-as-a-Second-Language students and recommends a process/product, task-based approach to writing instruction. (20 references)…

Examines the extent to which research findings from second language and immersion programs--concerning the efficacy of different instructional approaches--are transferable to the context of foreign language learning in British higher education. Data are drawn from a study of German learners exposed to focus on form tuition and focus on forms…

Examines the composing process and writing strategies of three lower proficiency Japanese subjects in their first language (L1) and second language (L2). Found that while some L1 strategies may transfer to the L2 writing processes, lower proficiency writers struggle in utilizing all strategies that could help their writing process in the L2.…

Highlights two speaking activities for use in the English-as-a-Second-Language classroom that aim to meet students' specific conversational needs. Provides a sample feedback form and suggestions on how to implement it that will increase the effectiveness of the proposed activities. (Author/VWL)

Emphasizes that the introduction of new technologies in the learning process of second languages should entail more didactic efficiency, educational effectiveness and pedagogical efficacy. Describes the Didascalia framework of criteria for added value. This framework requires an accurate, objective and adaptable specification of the added value of…

Looks at the ways grammar and vocabulary are interconnected and suggests some implications for language teaching. Suggests that language teachers focus on word patterns to encourage four aspects of language learning: understanding, accuracy, fluency, and flexibility. (four references) (Author/CK)

Considers different approaches to teaching culture within foreign language (FL) classes in Great Britain with the object of making a realistic suggestion on how to integrate language and culture. Particular focus is on FL students at the lower and intermediate levels, where cultural input is often omitted. (six references) (CK)

Discusses teaching languages in Israeli schooling, exploring the difficulties that groups with different cultural origins encounter when they communicate in the same language. These obstacles make proficiency extremely important and place politics at the center of the problem of language teaching and learning. (SLD)

This article, originally published in 1981 (Canadian Modern Language Review; v37 n4), examines recent research and thinking in the field of second language teaching to find directions and suggestions for change that can be interwoven into an audio-lingual approach. (Author/VWL)