Describes the potential of computer technology for language teaching and learning and emphasizes that language educators cannot afford to ignore what technology increasingly has to offer. (Author/CK)

A language education professional examines the ways in which constructivism has been applied in the science classroom, and examines several well-known approaches to language teaching that contain elements of constructivism, including the direct method, Total Physical Response, and the Silent Way. Specific ways in which constructivist principles…

Addresses the question of the relationship between the "Australian Language Levels (ALL) Guidelines" and current directions in language teaching and learning in Australia. Presents observations about these guidelines and their current status and use and relates these observations to the current draft of the "National Statement and…

Advocates the use of simulations in second-language classrooms, examining their advantages and presenting data from a study on college students' perceptions of the effectiveness of these advantages in an advanced second-language classroom. The study indicates that students found simulations enjoyable, motivating, and effective in promoting…

Describes the use of community broadcasting in language learning with specific reference to an experience in a French program at tertiary level. Notes that the principles and procedures discussed are equally applicable to the teaching and learning of languages at earlier phases of schooling. (eight references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on the effectiveness of the communicative approach to language learning, with particular reference to the new French syllabus in Australia. Concludes that although the communicative approach appears to be working for many students, there is a need for teachers to focus on grammatical structures and form for optimal learning to take place.…

Sociodramatic play, which combines role play and dramatization, is suitable for elementary and secondary language classrooms. It is learner centered and caters to varying language abilities. Children draw upon their existing experiences as the basis for their play. Teacher input is essential. The paper examines advantages and disadvantages of this…

Australian enrollment statistics support the general trend that boys are more likely than girls to discontinue their study of languages and less likely to excel in the language class. The article argues that language teachers need to promote language learning for boys and work proactively on developing teaching methods that will suit boys and…

Suggests that language awareness, or consciousness raising, has great potential in second-language learning. Language awareness presents students with linguistic data so they can work out grammatical rules for themselves. Offers a variety of examples of possible language-awareness lessons, first for the teaching of English, then for the teaching…

This first of a two-part article looks at the language learning-acquiring distinction, discussing the consequences of teaching at either end of the learning-acquiring continuum. Describes the distinction between the two, discusses the learning versus acquiring of grammar, and compares the two. The second part of the article will focus on memory…

Discusses measures language teachers can use to maintain and develop their communicative language ability. Introduces strategies teachers can adopt and mentions ways in which educational systems and universities can assist teachers. The model presented is relevant to teachers of any language. (13 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the Queensland Languages and Cultures Initial Teacher Education Program (LACITEP), in which 50% to 80% of the subjects taken are delivered through Japanese immersion. Notes that the promotion of second-language learning is a common aim of all immersion classrooms and provides insight into how the LACITEP Health and Physical Education…

Describes one New Zealand university language teacher's reflection on her own grammar explanations to university-level students of Bahasa Indonesian. Examines form-focused instruction through the teacher's spontaneous answers to students' questions about the form of the language they are studying. The teacher's experiences show that it takes time…

Discusses a project to enhance language learning in Australian schools. The project focused on training teachers to interpret the curriculum profiles for languages other than English and English as a Second Language (ESL), make valid outcomes-based judgments about students' learning, share best practice in language and ESL teaching, and develop…