The communicative approach has brought second language instruction a long way from strict grammar-oriented pedagogy, carrying with it a return to meaning, less repetition, emphasis on the learner, and attention to the social and pragmatic aspects of communication. (MSE)

Part of the Grade Teacher Special report, "Linguistics and the Language Arts.

Discusses the problems for a head of department in organizing first foreign language classes. The merits of ability grouping are briefly analyzed. The mixed ability approach is proposed as most desirable, especially with the use of topic-based as opposed to traditional grammar-based language courses. (Author/LMO)

It is argued that a method for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) combining the communicative approach with the traditional grammatical orientation and Chinese teaching traditions may be more effective than any one of these single approaches in the Chinese educational and cultural context. The resulting approach is termed the…

Trends in the teaching of Spanish which have developed during the past several decades are reviewed in this article. Criticism is directed especially toward the traditional and audiolingual methods of instruction. The increasingly important role of Spanish in the world is discussed. Observations are directed toward: (1) the traditional, the…

A centenary tribute to Wilhelm Vietor, whose work marked the start of modern methods of language teaching in Europe, describes the educational philosophy behind the reform movement. The movement focused on the value of spoken language and established an alternative to the grammar translation method. (MSE)

Presents an overview of the language teaching situation in Canada's universities, and makes suggestions for its improvement. (AM)

Examines the methodology used in the teaching of foreign languages in the Anglophone Caribbean. Although the methodology most widely used has been the grammar-translation method, there has been a shift to a more communicative methodology based on a notional-functional approach. The language situation here reflects the social and political…

The literature surrounding the process of curriculum innovation and change abounds with the assumption that change is a difficult, often painful and hugely complex process. It involves educational, political, national, institutional and personal issues. It challenges the very fabric of our society, and our roles not only as professionals, but as…

The history of grammar instruction in second language education is traced, focusing on the evolution of grammar's role from a central place in instruction to its current peripheral, almost problematic role. The objective is to provide background information so that second language educators can redefine grammar's role in language instruction. The…

Three major stages in the development of language testing have been identified and correlated with corresponding stages in teaching. These are: (1) the pre-scientific stage associated with the grammar-translation method; (2) the psychometric-structuralist stage concomitant with the audio-lingual method; and (3) the integrative-sociometric stage…