Discusses assumptions of natural approach for second-language instruction, including belief that the classroom should be devoted to activities which foster acquisition; student speech errors should not be corrected directly; and students should be allowed to respond in target language, native language, or both. Posits stages of language…

Presents guidelines for organization of conversation groups and suggests conversational activities for first year of language study including directed dialogs, use of questions, telephone vocabulary, and restaurant activities. Emphasizes importance of teacher supervision of, rather than participation in, conversational activities. (Author/BK)

Calls for a new, nonprescriptive pedagogy of writing based on the concept of writing as conversation. An addendum describes an experimental writing course based on a design borrowed from the traditional life-drawing class. (HOD)

Suggests use of games, role play, and simulations as a way to involve learners in the second language and developing interaction with others in the target language for communicative purposes. Gives examples of teachers' questions and possible answers concerning these methods. (BK)

Suggests the use of audiovisual aids in the place of discursive language to teach poetry appreciation. Examples are provided for use with French poetry. (AM)

Six four-year-olds were subjects in two experiments on correspondence training procedures with toy play behaviors. The experiments found that presence or absence of children's verbalizations exerted no influence on play with target toys, and that children were less likely to engage in target behaviors when no antecedent experimenter verbalization…

Discusses three principles of effective conflict resolution that can be taught in the classroom: communication occurs in two channels, verbal and nonverbal; certain behaviors or skills employed by mates during conflict resolution have been found to discriminate between happy and unhappy spouses; and marital discussions during conflict have three…

Desirable and undesirable verbal behaviors of teachers are examined. (JD)

Describes language practice at beginning level organized around concrete situations, classmates, school staff, students' friends, and family. (BK)

Describes and gives sample of using Guided Design as an instructional strategy for English-as-a-second-language classes with two main objectives: (1) teaching subject matter, and (2) teaching decision-making skills. Goals achieved include using class time for speaking, freeing the teacher to observe individual student errors, and planning later…

Describes attempt to give English-as-a-second-language students the opportunity to practice their English in a relaxed but productive way. Gives example of a conversational leaflet developed to guide conversation. (Author/BK)

Describes the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT), a videotape of brief scenes for teaching about verbal and nonverbal communication. Reports that the IPT includes all communication channels, several categories of interaction, and an objective criterion of accurate judgment. Discusses communications cues, using the IPT to introduce research…

The manual examines ways in which nonprofessional group home health care workers can enhance the communication and interaction skills of developmentally disabled clients. The communication process is explored in terms of information exchange, both verbal and nonverbal. Examples of vocal, nonvocal, and echolalic speech are offered and suggestions…

The part that words play in teaching art has been underestimated. In a good art class, there is an interplay of ideas about the ongoing work. By using the right words, the teacher can help students develop their creative faculties. (CS)

Describes how use of short texts of narrative prose can provide practice in transforming from reporting to doing language particularly for intermediate students. (BK)