A kit using the concept of puzzles as a focus for developing self-correcting instructional materials for French language teaching is described. The kit, designed for teachers and including 47 ideas organized by theme, contains matrices and cards for a variety of exercises at various levels and suggestions for their use. (MSE)

The second language teacher who wishes to meet the needs of students will supplement a well-chosen textbook with innovative instructional content and methods. The crucial element in deciding what and how to teach is learner characteristics. Discovering learning styles is especially important. The need to supplement textbook material arises…

The use of instructor-prepared notes covering 90 percent of the lecture information in one large-group human sexuality course was enthusiastically received by the students, and anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in correct test responses. (MSE)

This discussion of cooperative second language learning describes the approach in terms of response to three questions: WHO? WHAT? and WHY? The first section "WHO: Major Directors and Actors," chronicles the evolution of cooperative learning in general and cooperative language learning in particular, citing some specific methods and the…

This module is one in a series of 127 performance-based teacher education (PBTE) learning packages focusing upon specific professional competencies of vocational teachers. The competencies upon which these modules are based were identified and verified through research as being important to successful vocational teaching at both the secondary and…

Three interdependent components--content, context, and methodology--are discussed as they relate to the teaching of African languages to non-native speakers. Content depends on type and availability of instructional materials, which may be quite limited. If textbooks are not available, the teacher must select from varied authentic materials and…

A report on a two-year study of the use of microcomputers in language arts programs in Ontario provides information on the following topics: background and orientation of the study; project goals and methods; summary of needs and recommendations from the first year of the study; results from the second year; and general recommendations. The study…

A sample from a teacher-developed instructional television program is used to illustrate some possibilities for the exploitation of videotaped instructional materials in second language teaching. Aspects of the planning of tape production are outlined, and a transcript of the segment is provided. Features of the discourse from linguistic and…

Interactive video allows the learner controlled access to data stored on videodisc or videotape and in the computer, by means of the keyboard. The technology has excellent graphic display capabilities and allows immediate access to any video frame. However, it is not yet possible to record directly onto the videodisc, there is no generally…

Use of a theme- or topic-based curriculum to teach English as a Second Language in a Japanese university is described. Students are freshmen and sophomores. The thematic approach accommodates the interests of the large number of teachers in the program and encourages teacher development of instructional materials while achieving some consistency…

Describes one college teacher's efforts to make the information technology segment of a graduate course more accessible and appealing to students. The approach centered on development of a tutorial program. The process of developing and refining the tutorial is discussed. (MSE)

Visual aids can provide a visual context for the mastery of new terminology, helping to make the abstract appear concrete and introducing new approaches to material that can easily become dull and routine. Visual aids can be easy to make, by the instructor alone or with the help of the class, and they can be designed to illustrate concepts…

This paper is the narrative portion of a workshop presentation on lesson planning and materials development for ESL instruction. The specific materials and lessons which were demonstrated and which are discussed in this paper, had been designed and used in English as a Second Language classes for students ranging from Kindergarten to eighth grade…

The report details development, at Southwest Texas State University and later at Pennsylvania State University, of a computer authoring system ("Libra") enabling foreign language faculty to develop multimedia lessons focusing on listening comprehension. Staff at Southwest Texas State University first developed a Macintosh version of the…

The extent to which video has come of age with respect to language learning is the focus of this special issue, which provides information on sources of materials and offers practical ideas for the effective and creative use of those materials in second language instruction. Articles include: "Video and Language Learning: A Medium Comes of Age"…