A description of exercises originally designed for foreign children in the French educational system. A detailed lesson on reading a picture is given, involving brainstorming, classification of information, a listing of details and a possible interpretation. The exercises might be adapted to French foreign language instruction. (Text is in…

Reading comprehension exercises are used more effectively as a teaching device than as a testing device. They can be used to teach students a variety of skills, such as the ability to discover specific facts, to see the writer's point of view, and to visualize what is described in words. (CFM)

This paper outlines an approach to oral composition using wall pictures with a class of younger children in their second or third year of English as a foreign language. "Oral Composition" means the construction and sequencing of nine or ten sentences about the picture in question to form a spoken text. (CFM)

Discusses using meaningful series of sound effects which are pertinent to the language needs of the target group to provide the pedagogical advantage of at least partially eliminating culture and class-loading from the lesson. (Author/NCR)

The purpose of this article is to focus attention on the need to teach language students not only what to say, but how to say it and when. A theoretical discussion provides linguistic background and analysis of data and a sample lesson to illustrate how sociolinguistic theory can be applied to the development of teaching materials. (Author/NCR)

A description of a method of designing pattern drills for use in the laboratory which will not only keep students alert but will also provide meaningful contexts. The use of drill-oriented drawings and multiple operation exercises is analyzed. (AMH)

A discussion of a semantic approach to teaching these particles. The meaning of -zhe can be best characterized as "incompleteness.' Another characteristic of -zhe in a simple sentence is to change an action verb into a stative one. -Ne in conjunction with -zhe mitigates the incompleteness represented by -zhe. (Author/AMH)

This installment of "A Comme..." presents the following: use of the felt board for group games and reinforcement activities; a proposal for a sociocultural approach to classified ads and a sample lesson plan; and a discussion of the use of authentic documents for teaching future tense. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Hypotheses concerning second language learning and foreign language learning in general are described, and the role of listening comprehension in the development of language skills is discussed. (CLK)

This article discusses comprehension problems encountered by students of French as a second language as a result of the mismatch between the standard language they learn in classrooms and the language used by native speakers. (CLK)

Considers three criticisms of role-play: (1) it does not agree with the learning goals of communication-oriented foreign language teaching; (2) its content does not correspond to the needs of the participants; (3) it ties the student to reproductive exercises, leaving no room for creativity. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Describes dialogues and songs used to teach listening comprehension. (SW)

Use of classroom improvisations and role-playing can help the second language learner speak quickly, naturally, and spontaneously. The technique is discussed and illustrated. (CHK)

This article outlines the second language teaching method based on "capitalizable units" as proposed by Trim. The method is aimed at adult students and is based on: (1) student needs, and (2) the language functions that permit the student to operate effectively in a given speech community. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

The Guichard technique is a response to the need for lively, sustained conversation in the language class. Referring to simple blackboard drawings by the non-artist teacher, students create people and situations involving an imaginary French family. (Author/SW)