Discusses using structure drills in the foreign language classroom including use of same grammatical structure with slight variation, notional/functional drills, and situational dialogs. Suggests necessity of looking more closely at techniques in order to better understand teaching operation. (Author/BK)

Presents case in favor of using a structural-functional syllabus for teaching English as a second language at all levels in the Chinese-medium school and up to the intermediary level in the English-medium school, and for use of a functional-structural syllabus at upper secondary levels in the English-medium school in Hong Kong. (Author/BK)

Both the theoretical basis of functional-notionalism and its practical classroom applications are discussed in this text. The major characteristic of the functional-notional approach to language teaching is a sensitivity to the individual needs of students. Based on the idea that the ability to use real, appropriate language to communicate with…

Discusses the differences between language-centered teaching and learning-centered teaching methods with reference to recent trends in language program and syllabus design and innovative proposals. Also considers the reasons for the adoption and influence of methods. (SL)

Discusses the use of the term "communicative" in describing approaches to foreign- or second-language teaching. Suggests that a distinction should be drawn between informal communicative approaches which promote second-language acquisition and formal communicative approaches which promote conscious learning. Examines conditions for achieving both…

Argues that the success of a language course is determined by the teaching method, rather than by instructional materials. Accordingly, suggests a variety of strategies for the notional functional exploitation of traditional texts, and outlines classroom activities apt to encourage communicative competence. (MES)

Compares three major types of syllabi--structural, situational, and notional--to determine how the last differs from the others. For each, the author examines its focus, its basis for selecting and ordering materials, and its typical manner of presentation. Discusses in considerable detail macro- and microstrategies consistent with the notional…

Discusses positive and negative aspects of teaching language use--the Communicative Approach. While the Communicative Approach is learner-centered and develops the students' communicative competence, the design and current tactics of this methodology are criticized as being "decontextualized" and "abstracted." (SL)