Encourages use of filmstrip stories as a teaching aid in the English as a second language classroom. Filmstrips require little teacher preparation, and they generate new ideas and activities for use in the classroom. In addition, filmstrips can be used at any ability level, drawing on the students' abilities to respond on a wide range of levels of…

Discusses how laughter and joke-telling can be channeled in such a way as to enhance second language teaching. In addition, it is suggested that jokes can act as a dynamic in overcoming problems (such as lassitude) that arise in situations involving group work. (SL)

Discusses physiological, psychological, and social effects of speed of articulation and introduction of both productive and receptive fast-talk exercises at early stages of language learning. By helping English as a second language students with the phonological, functional, semantic, and syntactic components of English, students move closer to…

The design of an English as a second language pronunciation syllabus would be most effective if student needs were first identified through analysis of learner variables and collection and diagnosis of speech samples. A pronunciation syllabus should begin with a "wide angle" approach and narrow the focus as students master the elements that…

A limited attempt to teach and assess the ability of native English-speaking adolescents is described. The concern is not to teach more language but to encourage use of existing language in a formal interview with maximum flexibility and effectiveness. Possible ties into second language instruction are considered. (Author/MSE)

Drama can act as a bridge between the classroom and the real world in teaching students to communicate in a second language. Teaching techniques using drama to help improve students' pronunciation of English as a second language are described, as they relate to articulation, pitch, volume, rate, and variety. (CB)

Provides an inventory of traditional techniques used in the teaching of pronunciation of English as a second language. Most of the techniques are production-oriented, for their purpose is to improve production of spoken English. (CB)

Discusses the development of a communicative language testing unit for grade nine French immersion students. The interlocking of teaching and testing is suggested, by preparing a potential testing unit for every communicative, theme-oriented curriculum teaching unit, thus aiming toward goals compatible with both teacher and student. (SL)

The thematic integrated teaching method for second-language learning weaves together the four skills by using a topic encountered in everyday living to explore and adjust to a new environment and language. The theme of food is used to illustrate curriculum structure, vocabulary, and activities. (MSE)