In the coda chapter of the special issue on second language (L2) practice and cognitive psychology, we proposed a theoretical framework for optimizing and researching L2 practice (Suzuki, Nakata, & DeKeyser, 2019). Rogers and Leow's commentary (2020) raised three potential issues regarding this framework, and the present response article aims…

Montessori environments offer concrete learning materials, with controls of error embedded in their design, that support independence, engage the child's interest, and provide individual challenges. Yet, over time, Crystal Dahlmeier has observed changes in some Montessori environments: worksheets taking the place of hands-on work with materials;…

This response to Leah A. Bricker and Phillip Bell's paper, "GodMode is his video game name", examines their assertion that the social nexus of gaming practices is an important factor to consider for those looking to design STEM video games. I propose that we need to go beyond the investigation into which aspects of games play a role in learning,…

Distance education is institutional concept of education centered round self-directed learning by means of correspondence courses with an integrated element of communication technology and facilitated with tutorial sessions, seminars etc. to meet need for enlargement of teaching force, improved professional standards and modernization of teaching…

This article presents the process of recent curricular revision and material development in English at the national level in India in a limited way. Teachers' needs and wants, their participation in the development of materials, the dilemmas of teachers and their implications for classroom transactions are discussed from the experiences of one of…

Describes an information gap procedure to teach a new structure which requires students to look for and exchange information in order to complete a task in an English as a second language class. Illustrates the method with a set of materials and suggests ways for teachers to produce similar materials. (SED)

Encourages teachers and trainers to investigate instructional design alternatives in order to find approaches that fit varied student learning needs and constraints. The Instructional Design Library, a series of 40 guides to different types of designs, is recommended as one avenue for exploring a systematic approach to instruction. (MER)

Discusses two questions any language-teaching approach has to consider: (1) the component of a language on which to focus; and (2) how the linguistic material can be acquired more efficiently than in the past. Five principles for efficient acquisition of 5,000 vocabulary words are outlined, and the RALEX approach is explained. (SED)

Outlines strategies for teaching listening comprehension which can be adapted to foreign language programs. The initial stage is to make the students aware of the skill of listening for comprehension. Then follows strategies that demand purposeful reactions from the students, including instruction activities, command activities, personal-choice…

Describes and differentiates the main types of integrated language and content instruction, presents arguments in favor of it, discusses some of the promising materials and programs currently in place or under development, and identifies priorities for the 1990s. (40 references) (GLR)

Examines position, nature, and scope of language awareness work in English language teacher education courses. By means of a sequence of language awareness activities, an attempt is made to identify the essential features of such activities for teachers and trainee teachers to provide an interim framework for materials writing, and illustrating…

Presents a history of Utah's WICAT Education Institute, and examines its role in the introduction of new delivery systems into educational environments. Several examples of institute projects are given, with emphasis on the development of programs which use computer and videodisc technologies. (MER)

A preliminary set of principles of judging the pedagogical utility of proposed grammar rules is offered. The goal is the inclusion in teaching materials of only those rules which are linguistically accurate, pedagogically sound, and relevant to specified instructional objectives. (Author)

This paper deals with the use of reading workbooks in elementary school classrooms. Sections of the paper discuss the purposes of workbooks, the function of workbooks (how workbooks serve both teachers and students), the implications of these observations about workbooks where developers of basal programs are concerned, and the sufficiency,…

Discusses contemporary theory on the comprehension process in first language reading research and psychology. Examines beliefs, materials, and classroom behaviors which have been under recent discussion and applies the theory of comprehension--that comprehension is the process of relating incoming or new information to information already stored…