A technique, referred to as "Personalities," for helping students practice second-language conversational skills is described. The exercise can teach and review vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural information. (Author/LB)

The text of dialogues published by the British Broadcasting Service and reprinted by the U.S. Information Agency were studied to determine various aspects of the two versions of the English language, particularly differences in the uses of the present perfect tense. (three references) (LB)

Five activities help students learn a language while fostering cooperation and spirit among the students. They include same or different words, a vocabulary review called "Grab the Tail," a mental activity "triangle," a crossword puzzle-type grid, and chains of words called "From This to That." (LB)

It is argued that, although materials are an important form of support to language classroom activities, they also constitute a constraint that can undermine the value of those activities for the processes of learning. (three references) (LB)

After beginning primary of English-as-a-Second-Language students learn phonetics and are advanced into spelling, reading, writing and vocabulary development, this practical spelling dictionary is suitable for general use and is edited for special use with "The Writing Road to Reading" and "America's Spelling & Reading with…

Research on brain hemisphere functions appears to indicate that (1) lateralization occurs from about age five to puberty; (2) both hemispheres are involved in language learning in ways not yet fully understood; (3) after age fifteen, pronunciation learning becomes difficult; (4) older language learners learn more quickly, but younger learners…

Theories of learning, views of language, program design, methodology, and psychosocial factors related to foreign language teaching are discussed. Learning theories are examined with reference to acquisition and learning, errors and mistakes, and input and intake. Regarding views of language, in general there has been a shift from concern over the…

Foreign language teaching techniques and materials applicable to adult continuing education are examined. Continuing education refers to an older student's pursuit of additional education of any sort. Often the adult student desires instruction in foreign language and culture. A continuing education language course will have students of widely…

Teachers and supervisors of foreign language programs from 29 high schools in six states provide reviews of foreign language microcomputer courseware. Evaluations of the 25 programs for French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish are based on: (1) quality of content; (2) relevance to subject area; (3) suitability to computer medium; (4)…

Foreign language aptitude was the subject of much research in the 1950s and has been the subject of intermittent research for the last 30 years. Aptitude is measured by the amount of time it takes an individual to learn. Foreign language aptitude appears to differ from general aptitude or intelligence. One theory states that foreign language…

A model of assessing language proficiency in hearing bilingual students is adapted and discussed in terms of hearing impairment needs. Empirical data are presented to verify that the language or system acting as a "first language" for hearing-impaired students in cognitive/academic stituations can be determined. Educational implications are…

The following easy games for the German classroom are described: around Germany, map identifications, fast response, bingo, memory training, geography college bowl, find the object, descriptions, pronunciation perfection, acrostics, simple board games, art lesson, treasure hunt, and miscellaneous games. (SW)

Describes specific activities the teacher might follow in the classroom to meet the needs of foreign-born children. (Author/RB)

Describes the use of the pieces and movements of chess to teach French vocabulary of direction and motion. (CHK)