Examines how the principles about teaching culture in English-as-a-Foreign-Language have promoted cultural confrontation in the guise of cultural acquisition. Discusses the impact of the culture-oriented classroom on three areas of language pedagogy: (1) approach; (2) design, and (3) procedure. (Author/VWL)

A discussion of the relationship between teacher, learner, and instructional materials in second language teaching using the communicative approach argues that the teacher is the primary element in instructional effectiveness, without which the other salient features of the approach, learner-centeredness and appropriate materials, can not be…

Classroom management considerations should be part of the criteria for planning the content and format of lessons. Teachers must consider not only how a specific activity will influnce language learning but also how that activity will influence general behavior. (CB)

This paper is a presentation of a 10-year experiment in multimedia distance learning in English for specific purposes within the general framework of a 3-year management diploma in the French higher education system. It defines, analyzes, and rationalizes key elements in the technical evolution against a background of epistemological and present…

Offers a model which can be used to describe any given second language teaching method, as well as analyze different methods for their internal adequacy, similarities, and differences. (EKN)

This article discusses how the critical examination of "culture as difference" and "culture as hierarchy" is often lacking in the Spanish language classroom. As such, the author suggests that the current challenge in the Spanish language classroom is to identify techniques to enhance not only students' language proficiency but also their cultural…

It is proposed that classroom collaboration has the potential to build a classroom learning community in which students turn to each other as resources and the teacher becomes one channel, among many, for learning. The demands that collaborative work places on students are examined, and the process of building a collaborative environment is…

The state of the art in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) is characterized by diversity in philosophies, activities, and materials. It has been summarized in a variety of reports. The perspectives developed here are a supplement to the other reports rather than a summary. Aspects of the state of the art are examined through…

A discussion of techniques for creating active listening in the French conversation class looks at preconceptions about conversational language classes, the responsibility of each partner in the interaction (speaker and listener), choice of materials for discussion, preparation of classroom presentations, and the teacher's responsibility in…

Writing figures prominently in accounts of foreign language learning that is specially concerned with promoting the development of learner autonomy. Writing things down plays a prominent role in the autonomous foreign language classroom. The learner texts presented and discussed in this paper invite reflection on three issues of general importance…

Discusses methods of teaching world geography and culture through student involvement and describes lessons that teach students about Africa. One uses maps; one uses computer-assisted instruction; and one uses various resources to recreate an African school day. A sidebar by Janine Onffroy Shelley describes the use of telecommunications systems in…

It is argued that while second language teachers generally recognize the value of cultural diversity, they may not be acknowledging and taking full advantage of the diversity within their own classrooms. A variety of classroom techniques to support multiculturalism are offered. One is to examine, with student participation, both positive and…

The role of learning strategies in independent learning, particularly second language learning, is discussed. It is argued that "learning to learn" is a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for independent learning. It is also not innate, but must be taught. The learner must learn to define his objectives, accomplish them, evaluate…

Important features of eight second language teaching methods--grammar-translation, direct, audiolingual, the Silent Way, Suggestopedia, community language learning, Total Physical Response, and the communicative approach--are summarized . A chart outlines characteristics of these aspects of the methods: goals, teacher and student roles, the…

Articulation remains a significant problem in language education as in education in general. The particular concern is that articulation is targeted toward programs and not toward learners. Specific language teaching methods, and use of more-uniform teaching materials and testing have been used to cope with the problem. However, a broader…