Discusses the integration of Fluent 2, a two-medium immersive conversational language learning environment, into the pedagogical environment. The article presents a strategy to provide teachers and other designers of language lessons with tools that will enable them to produce lessons they consider appropriate. (seven references) (Author/CK)

Past studies have identified the impact of situational and enduring variables on second language (L2) learners' willingness to communicate (WTC) in the L2. This qualitative study triangulates data from two classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with four students and class instructor, and personal experiences including communication…

Curriculum innovations succeed or fail according to the extent to which teachers, and to some extent students, feel that they are meaningfully involved in the process of change. For change to be effective, it cannot be simply imposed from above; rather it depends absolutely on the people who implement it. The innovations described in this book…

A discussion of second language instruction looks briefly at some shortcomings of traditional method-based approaches and examines what are predicted to be major influences on language teaching in the 1990s. Objections to method-based instruction include the inadequacy of the term "method," its prescriptive approach, lack of distinction between…

Peer-mediation, an approach whereby students take the responsibility for learning from and teaching one another, is presented as an innovation in ESL classes. A rationale for this approach is presented based on actual classroom situations in which small-group, peer-mediated instruction is utilized. (Author/RM)

The development of a course in music diction at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is described. The course was established by the department of French and Italian at the request of the department of music. (RM)

FOR THOSE COLLEGES FACED WITH A CROWDED CURRICULUM, INFLEXIBLE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS, AND POORLY-PREPARED FRENCH STUDENTS, A ONE SEMESTER COURSE IN OLD FRENCH IS SUGGESTED. SUCH A COURSE WOULD FIT INTO A FLEXIBLE AND CONTINUOUS SEQUENCE OF CENTURY OR GENRE COURSES (WITH THE HASTY SURVEY COURSE ELIMINATED). COURSE OBJECTIVES SHOULD INCLUDE (1)…

A combined language and literature course for upper-level students of Chinese is described. The course included both native and non-native speakers and concentrated on a core of reading material for all students, with additional assignments according to the student's ability and level. (CHK)

A language school teacher explains some of his methods for teaching beginning French, including course content, use of drill and homework, pronunciation, and the use of choral speaking to teach stress and intonation. (SJL)

Looks at the ways grammar and vocabulary are interconnected and suggests some implications for language teaching. Suggests that language teachers focus on word patterns to encourage four aspects of language learning: understanding, accuracy, fluency, and flexibility. (four references) (Author/CK)

Explores students' views of English-as-a-Second-Language courses in discussions with three Japanese secondary students. Their stories were analyzed in terms of Schwab's four curriculum commonplaces: learner, subject matter, milieu, and teacher. For the students, learning English is connected to negotiating their identities in a new environment.…

Examines what should be the oral component of a foreign language course. Structural, interactive, generic, and contextual constraints are discussed in terms of their implications for teaching. (32 references) (Author/CK)

Explores how cross-curricular themes can be integrated into the modern languages lesson. Key requirements include the need to clarify objectives, identify what can be usefully explored, introduce cultural comparisons at the appropriate time, focus on authentic reading materials, and use a basic core language and previously developed activities.…

The problem of devising a course in business communications for students of English as a Second or Foreign Language is addressed. A way to approach course design in general is described, using creative problem solving and decision making and a partial linguistic analysis of business writing. (one reference) (LB)