The phenomenon of the modified register, here termed Foreigner Register, the register of language that is used by language teachers with students of perceived low language proficiency, is discussed. As used by language teachers, Foreigner Register is well formed and simplified or modified in terms of syntax, phonology, and lexis. The…

Describes the foreign language program at Brattleboro Union Hiqh School. Discusses the qualifications of the language teachers, the importance of early exposure to foreign languages, the use of humor to emphasize or illustrate, student teacher relationship, exposure to several languages at once, and flexibility in course scheduling. (CT)

A major factor in the decline of all language instruction has been the tendency to treat language in the classroom as a body of content rather than a medium of communication. Suggestions for a change in curriculum have been plentiful; however, three points of agreement among these suggestions are identifiable as problem areas. First, a reliance on…

It is proposed that the classroom communication methods most often used in foreign language instruction are unnatural and therefore limit learning. Students as well as teachers must be encouraged to ask questions, listen to other students, correct each other, and generally participate in the teaching process. (MSE)

Describes materials that have been developed that are concerned largely with "metacommunication," the type of communication used by teachers to check whether messages have been received and understood. They are used to instruct Chinese-speaking teachers of mathematics, art, science, physical communication, and music to teach in English. (PJM)

Natural discourse among students in nonacademic situations is compared with instructional discourse occurring between the teacher and individual students or between the teacher and the entire class. The role of each in the foreign language classroom is discussed. (MSE)

Techniques for getting students of English as a second language to communicate in the classroom beginning on the first day are based on a relaxed classroom atmosphere and a well-prepared teacher. First-day activities should be well-planned, clearly presented, and move at a pace that keeps students' attention. The goal is for students to respond…

The limitations of the particular communicative situation in the foreign language classroom, in which students spend much of their time silent while the teacher speaks, need to be recognized before applying new teaching techniques. The profession must find new ways to promote the need, the desire, and the pleasure of communicating. (MSE)

In response to a challenge that those concerned with communicative competence find an alternative to the traditional comprehension question, it is proposed that the tables be turned and the student be encouraged to initiate questions. This technique would require a change in classroom atmosphere, student role, and sometimes, teacher attitude. (MSE)

In a foreign language classroom, the students' job is that of mutual comprehension, among themselves and with the teacher, by not only attempting to understand but also understanding what is expected of them. It is this pattern of exchange that explains the slow rhythm and thematic progression of foreign language classes. (MSE)

Discusses the advantages of play-acting for teaching English to children. The play is a challenge that is not examination based, it breaks down barriers between teacher and learners, the speaking-load is spread among the students, many different skills are harnessed, and parents can witness their children's progress. Other considerations are…

Dialogue journals are notebooks in which students write to their teacher, in English, about whatever they choose, to which the teacher responds without correcting any errors. The objective is a written conversation. One Los Angeles sixth grade teacher used the technique with a linguistically diverse class consisting of 27 students from 12…

Reports on a pilot investigation of learner feedback and its effects on teacher/learner interactions, based on data collected from 12 ESL dyads and triads. Describes the methods used for data collection and data analysis, the latter involving classification of both learner feedback and teachers' post-feedback responses. (Author/ MES)

Emphasizes the need to redefine goals of "communicative competence," specifically for secondary-level students of English in Japan. Since students do not feel a pressing need to use English, such goals seem too distant for them. Some basic classroom language teaching methodology is suggested that is aimed at fitting in with the overall…

A two-step procedure is outlined for encouraging student involvement and interest in language learning on the first two days in class. First, the teacher establishes an information flow in English from students to instructor, creating an environment of goodwill. Then communication begins in French as students and instructor introduce themselves.…