A guide to the use of role playing in the foreign language classroom outlines in general terms what role play is, provides examples, analyzes its uses, and gives practical assistance in planning activities. The following topics are examined: aspects of role behavior (formality, register, function, attitude, para-linguistic and extra-linguistic…

A teacher describes the use of closed-caption decoding of television melodramas to teach English as a second language (ESL). The approach uses evening soap operas that afford a range of English usage and accents, realistic dialogue, entertainment, and coverage of current social issues and are closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired. The programs…

Three action research projects explored the relative merits of several techniques for helping teachers modify classroom group processes. Project 1 compared a weekly seminar (using discussion of classroom research, problem-solving techniques, analysis of diagnostic data on the teachers' own classrooms, and followup discussion during the school…

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)

Argues that ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) teachers can aid in the development of critical insights that encourage students in the process of improving their employment possibilities. The article maintains that, through dialog with students, teachers can focus on their own assumptions regarding immigrants' work world. (12 references)…

Polish university programs in English as a foreign language (EFL) contain a discussion course whose usual format is student presentations on an assigned topic of general interest. However, the communicative approach has made teachers more sensitive to the authenticity and suitability of the situations used for classroom role-playing. The approach…

COUNSELING IS AN ACCEPTING, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP DEALING WITH NORMAL CHILDREN AND EMPHASIZING THE COUNSELOR'S SPECIAL ABILITY TO LISTEN, EMPATHIZE, AND UNDERSTAND. THE SETTING OF GROUP COUNSELING PROVIDES EXCELLENT CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING. EFFECTIVE GROUP COUNSELING INVOLVES TREATMENT BY THE GROUP AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT WITHIN THE GROUP.…

This periodical is a source of practical teaching advice for adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers and tutors since 1991. Articles and ideas are contributed by the experienced teachers and tutors among the readership. Among the topics covered in this volume are the following: tips on teaching older students, preparing students for the…

Describes a way to involve students vitally and personally in understanding and valuing distinctive moral voices, and discusses a unit from a woman's studies course that encourages students to appreciate different moral perspectives. Use of a case study and role plays promote student insight. (SLD)

Describes a program for teaching oral communication in large English-as-a-Foreign-Language classes that focuses on the link between listening and speaking; accuracy, fluency, interaction, and meaning; authentic language use; feedback and correction; opportunities to initiate oral communication; development of speaking strategies, and motivating…

The first two stages of a research project on the teaching of second languages in Scotland using the communicative approach are reported. In the first stage, 59 language teachers in 20 schools were interviewed concerning their understanding of the notion of communicative competence and its development in the classroom. In the second stage, French…

A guide to second language teaching methods and content is designed for language teachers giving French instruction to Peace Corps volunteers in Morocco. It consists of an introductory section on classroom techniques and 38 instructional units on grammar and vocabulary. Each lesson outlines grammatical and vocabulary material to be presented to…

The Strategic Interaction method has been found to be effective in developing oral skills among students in an intensive English language program at the University of Jordan, and holds promise for language instruction in other contexts. The method, which is predominantly communicative in nature, stresses language use and interaction in discourse…

Defines story grammar, reviews pertinent research, and describes classroom activities based on research findings. (NKA)

Four French language class activities are described, including a game using proverbs to review animal names and encourage comprehension; videotaping a class debate in French, to promote both exchange of ideas and student confidence before a group; a role-playing exercise in which a television news program is created; and a specialized activity to…