This article problematises certain aspects of methodology used for speaking practice and commonly applied in contemporary language teaching classrooms. It examines these particularly with relevance to diversity in adult learning groups. The aspects under scrutiny include the use of personal information in tasks, pair and group work, target…

This article questions the presentation of rules in the classroom and explores some of the different senses of the term "rule." After making some basic distinctions, the article considers implications for the classroom and suggests there is no single approach to the presentation of grammar rules, and that learners should be encouraged to…

Argues that pupils in the second language classroom should be encouraged to respond to questions for personal information truthfully and that certain aspects of existing teaching practice encouraging the opposite should be scrutinized. Focuses on the objections to this premise and outlines reasons for seeking truthful student responses. (CK)

Examines methodological issues related to the approach to be used in writing a textbook for foreign language students of Russian. These issues center around practical communication; the treatment of grammar; and the use of the target language, authentic materials, and audiovisual materials. Results indicate that grammar explanations and complete…

Describes how a request to help evaluate an innovative bilingual project in an international school led to positive changes in project implementation and a more constructive way forward for the main participants. The article presents a model, called a "SPARE wheel" in order to emphasize the cyclical nature of evaluation. Results indicate the…

Examines whether there are ways in which teaching can cater to the preferences of both sexes without prejudicing the success of either. The findings of two studies suggest the importance of addressing the different responses of boys and girls to particular classroom situations and the different learning strategies they employ. (10 references) (CK)

Discusses problems inherent in the content of modern language syllabuses. True communication occurs when the focus of classroom activities is on the message. The success of the lesson derives from the quality of the presentation and, crucially, the vocabulary list and the pupils' prior knowledge of the concepts underlying the content. (six…

Presents the results of a research project involving language teachers in Italy, their use of the target language (TL) and its interrelationship with collaborative and independent learning. The investigation was conducted by asking 21 Italian teachers of English to fill in a questionnaire concerning their beliefs regarding classroom use of TL. (15…

Examines the extent to which foreign language use should play a prominent part in a course. The article discusses subject knowledge; factors affecting students' language skills; course objectives, structure and content; student reaction to questions about tutor input and the topics appropriate for teaching in the foreign language; and perceived…

Describes an effort to teach French to boys with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The teaching used was based on lexical chunks of language rather than grammatical structures in order to create motivation and maintain interest in the short time available each week. The students greeted the lessons with enthusiasm and grew in self-esteem and…

Analyzes the computer program, "Question Mark," produced in England and designed to be a testing tool for large second-language classes. Using this tool, it is possible to create and edit up to 500 questions using any one of 8 different question types. The program also can provide a running score for students using it. Notes that student…

Describes a two-year Anglo-French pilot project undertaken to develop a systematic program of study for understanding foreign cultures while learning the language of that culture. The teachers participating in the project integrated the project material with their own syllabuses and used it to extend their language skills. (eight references) (CK)

Discusses the need to polish the foreign language skills of second-language teachers during their professional training. This training should concentrate primarily on the improvement of confidence in spontaneous target language use and grammatical accuracy and should also emphasize pedagogical development and reflection. (one reference) (CK)