Describes a method of using newspaper articles in the English-language classroom called Read-Ask-and-Tell. The place of authentic materials in the classroom, including some of the pitfalls, are discussed. The Reading, Asking, and Telling components are outlined, and activities for consolidation and reinforcement of skills are suggested. Appendices…

Describes processes of facilitation involved in exolingual conversation (interactions between persons who are dynamically adjusting their respective linguistic performances) between foreign language learners and native speakers, concluding that such behavior is dynamic and creative, and incapable of being described and defined within predetermined…

Examined the beliefs and practices of special education, credentialed bilingual, and bilingual-waivered teachers of Latino language-minority students. Found that no group supported a single view of literacy instruction or assessment. Differences between groups (primarily bilingual and special education teachers) were evident in beliefs about…

Discusses a project to implement an alternative system for university admission based on clearly defined competencies in several subject areas, i.e., culture, writing, speaking, listening, reading and transferable skills (provisional). Developing national standards will inform this project, assisting in the creation of common goals in foreign…

A study in two high school language programs investigated students' oral proficiency (OPI) interview ratings after a typical four-year sequence, degree to which teachers could accurately predict students' ratings, and relationship between classroom achievement and OP ratings. Results provide valuable information for states and school districts as…

An attempt is made is this paper to examine the validity of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale through a comparison of the scaling of speaking tasks and speech performances by the scale and by a Rasch analysis of judgments made by "naive" persons. The results of the multi-faceted Rasch analysis seem…

Three papers intended as preliminary studies to bilingual professional curriculum development are included. "Speech Acts and Discourse Analysis," by Terry McCoy, represents an introduction to discourse analysis as a tool for the language teacher. The notion of a typology of speech acts is set forth, and models of discourse analysis by…

A curriculum is presented as part of a plan for improvinq English language instruction in secondary schools in Nigeria. The current status of English in Nigeria is viewed as ambiguous: the importance of English as a lingua franca and official language is contrasted with the neglect of English instruction and the failure to upgrade language…

A recent task force of the Speech Communication Association identified three situations in which native English speaking adults require communicative competence--occupation, citizenship, and maintenance. These situations give rise to five main contexts in which adult learners of English as a second language (ESL) need communicative proficiency:…

This is a self-teaching textbook for learning Telugu, designed to be used with a language guide or a native speaker of Telugu. The emphasis is placed on speaking rather than on reading or writing. The book opens with a phonetic preface, to introduce the student to the sounds of Telugu. The textbook itself consists of thirty lessons, each divided…

This article discusses universal advantages and disadvantages of various audio systems which may be used for language learning. In order to encourage teachers and administrators to experiment with simpler systems than the conventional language laboratory, a list of several low-cost alternatives is given. The list gives the producer's name, a…

This study was conducted in an attempt to provide an alternative to the long-established method of tape listening and repetition drills, a method that has had disappointing results. It is suggested that the rate of speed of phonic presentation is not commensurate with the rate of comprehension. The proposed method seeks to prevent cognitive…

Oral exercises are classified by type and form. Types include repetition, substitution, conversion, pyramid, and combinations. Dialogue, games, play acting, conversation, and repetition are cited as forms. Sample exercises are offered as illustrations. (AF)

The desirability of early foreign language (FL) pronunciation is discussed from organizational, psychological and social points of view. Gaining early mastery of the FL sound inventory (starting with the "dramatic items") allows beginning students to quickly enjoy significant initial successes of a very personal nature which also enable the…

This article describes a course designed to develop oral skills in English as a second language. A video-taped movie is shown without its sound track; the students then analyze, discuss, and ultimately dub in the film in the target language. (CFM)