This study investigated the functions of gesture in teaching and learning grammar in the context of second language (L2) classroom interactions. The data consisted of video-recorded interactions from a beginner- and an advanced-level grammar classroom in an intensive English program at a U.S. university. The sequences of talk-in-interaction…

It is suggested that the methodology for developing communicative competence in a second language is not always in keeping with the principles behind it. Two directions are suggested: use of grammatical sequencing for those students it suits best, and gradual introduction of complexity into the communicative situation. (MSE)

Research suggests that basic writers are willing to edit but reluctant to revise their writing. In other words, they make surface-level changes to grammar, spelling, and punctuation but tend not to re-conceive content, structure, style, and cohesion. This paper argues that we need more instructional strategies that will help students understand…

Grammatical sequencing is suggested as a valuable teaching technique from the points of view of both communicative competence and linguistic competence. Sequencing techniques and ideas are offered. (MSE)

In order to support an argument for the teaching of grammar in a writing class, this report first summarizes the descriptive studies done by Kellogg Hunt in 1965 and 1970, and the comparative studies done by John Mellon and Frank O'Hare in 1969 and 1973. The second part of the report consists of five workshop handouts about the following topics:…

IN THE PAST DECADE, ENGLISH AS A SCHOOL SUBJECT HAS BEEN REASSESSED TO ESTABLISH PRIORITIES, SPECIFY THE TASKS OF THE ENGLISH TEACHER, AND CREATE EFFECTIVE SEQUENTIAL, INTEGRATED PROGRAMS WHICH BALANCE CONTENT AND SKILLS. THIS SUMMARY REPORT CONSIDERS EMERGING CONCEPTS IN THE TEACHING OF LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND COMPOSITION, AND THEIR APPLICATION…

This paper discusses the selection and ordering of language items, one of the central issues in foreign language teaching. Three approaches to sequencing are considered: the communicative competence, the linguistic stem, and the notional approaches. (CFM)

This paper describes a framework for researching the Cognition Hypothesis which claims that pedagogic tasks be sequenced for learners on the basis of increases in their cognitive complexity. It distinguishes dimensions of complexity which increase the conceptual and linguistic demands tasks make on communication, so creating the conditions for L2…

This article gives the perspectives of three teachers of intensive French (IF) as they adjusted their thinking to teaching in a French as a second language (FSL) classroom that was very different from the core French classroom and developed teaching strategies to facilitate effective learning of communication skills by the students. Four major…

THE OREGON CURRICULUM STUDY CENTER, WITH THE COOPERATION OF STAFF MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON AND TEACHERS FORM SEVEN SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON, HAS WRITTEN AND TESTED AN EXPERIMENTAL CURRICULUM IN ENGLISH FOR GRADES 7-12 FOR APPROXIMATELY THE UPPER 70 PERCENT OF STUDENTS. THE CURRICULUM CONSISTS OF EXPERIMENTAL TEXTBOOKS IN…

Designed to provide teachers with a listing of sequentially ordered objectives in specific language arts areas, this teaching guide for grades seven through nine was developed in Rochester, Minnesota, and is keyed to specific composition, language, and literature textbook materials. The guide is organized by grade according to a scope and sequence…

Designed to coordinate composition instruction between the primary and senior high school years, this curriculum guide presents a system for both the direct teaching of specific composition objectives and the assessment of student achievement and program effectiveness. The first of the guide's five major sections explains the curriculum's scope,…

Because French boys command a sharper accuracy of thought and form in their speaking and writing than do young Americans of the same age, this book examines the educational system in France for the light it might shed on the teaching of English in America. Chapters consider (1) syllabi for two kindergarten-through-high-school courses in…

Nine papers deal with (1) the problems of early adolescent education and the role of the English teacher, (2) the teacher's need to re-evaluate the function of writing assignments and the criteria by which themes are judged, (3) the organization of classroom procedures to capitalize on children's natural powers of expression, (4) the influence of…