The purpose of this paper is to present the rationale and outcomes of ClipFlair, a European-funded project aimed at countering the factors that discourage Foreign Language Learning (FLL) by providing a motivating, easily accessible online platform to learn a foreign language through revoicing (e.g. dubbing) and captioning (e.g. subtitling). This…

This book focuses on appropriate English for Academic Purposes instructional concepts and methods in the Japanese context. It investigates a variety of pedagogical techniques, addressing the fundamental academic English skills -- listening, speaking, reading and writing -- as well as assessment and materials development. All the research included…

English is a compulsory subject in many secondary EFL classrooms; thus the questions that arise for teachers are how to motivate learners in general and how to help them come to appreciate the value of English learning activities in particular. This article is based on the premise that learners benefit not only from becoming intrinsically…

Describes the Chicago annual simulated German American Trade Fair for high school students. Discusses the background and logistics, and offers suggestions for teachers wanting to organize one. (EKN)

A foreign language learning activity is described in which second-through fourth-year French students write, cast, produce, direct and perform well-known fables for their language classes. The performances are recorded on videotape and shown to other classes and to parents. (Author/RM)

Describes the efforts made at one school to provide language students with contacts with international visitors. (KM)

This publication will provide secondary level students with a basic understanding of the development and structure of Chinese (guo yu) language characters. The authors believe that demystifying the language helps break many cultural barriers. The written language is a good place to begin because its pictographic nature is appealing and inspires…

Focuses on the relationship between flow experiences and language learning. Flow theory suggests that flow experiences can lead to optimal learning. Findings suggest flow does exist in the foreign language classroom and that flow theory offers an interesting and useful framework for conceptualizing and evaluating language learning activities.…

This paper discusses common objections to the use of small group activities in the second language classroom; advantages which outweigh these objections; and guidelines for successful implementation of these activities. Prototype small group activities are outlined in two sections. The first lists activities according to skills focus, including…

Discusses the pedagogical uses, for a French class, of the following: a meteorological bulletin, seven classroom games, J. Anouilh's play "L'Alouette," and horoscopes. (AM)

Describes conversation activities that can help students experiencing difficulty in French oral language increase confidence and speaking skills. Small groups of students form conversations around key words, and then expand the conversation for larger groups, incorporating more words and structures. (CB)

A description of materials developed to supplement an activity-based French program for grade eight. (PMP)

Creativity is the formulation and expression of an idea which is novel and useful to the creator. It is inherent in the foreign language classroom. Interpretation of experience, or creative play, is a normal part of first language use; with guidance it can be part of the second language learning experience. The effective teacher will consciously…

Describes a method, developed to make vocabulary learning a creative challenge, that consists of a four-step learning process that makes the student responsible for selecting words to learn daily. (Author/AM)

To revive students' sagging motivation in French class at the end of the term, a four-week project was designed in which the class wrote and produced slide-tape shows and super eight films in French. (SJL)