In Madagascar, secondary and adult English as a foreign language (EFL) classes commonly have limited resources and inadequate teacher preparation. Schools often have few or no textbooks and dictionaries. Computers with Internet access are a rare luxury. Teachers themselves may be underprepared, with no English teaching credential, minimal…

Suggestions for using various dramatic techniques including a student-written cabaret to teach German at all levels of proficiency are described. The method promotes language proficiency, is pedagogically sound, flexible, rewarding, and fun. It can be adapted for use in teaching other languages. (PMJ)

A teaching method is described and illustrated that begins with the presentation of a basic dialogue containing new learning material and progresses to the group's acting out its own dialogues and discussing them with the class. The objective is to lead learners from understanding new material to using it creatively and, ultimately, for their own…

A comparison between the second language learner and the native language learner provides the primary argument for the importance of listening without having to produce a response immediately. The fact that children listen to their native language for at least 8 hours a day implies that students need to spend more time in listening activities. In…

Second language reading is a vital skill that aids the communication process. It provides language input and reinforces spoken language. Because the modern world is print-oriented, foreign language and English-as-a-Second-Language learners need to develop reading skills as rapidly as possible. Reading must be taught rather than acquired passively.…

Although typical, traditional language lesson content has been imaginary characters and information, content based on the real world has been rare. Some possible content types to develop are another academic subject, the culture where the language is spoken, and interesting facts about the world in general. (MSE)

Describes an English as a second language classroom activity adaptable to students of any age and at any level of language proficiency. The music story stimulates individual input and real communication, as the students must create stories from their imagination, inspired by listening to a certain musical selection. (SL)

Thirty classroom-tested activities are presented for motivating students to communicate orally in any foreign language. For each activity, the following information is provided: level, purpose, materials, procedure, and source. Variations and follow-up activities are also suggested. (Author/AMH)

Three papers address the use of videotape recordings for instruction in English as a Second Language. The first paper, by Cynthia Leaney, describes a program in which language learners produce a videotape through an integrated skills approach, offering practical advice and insight for teachers considering this type of activity. The paper presents…

A classroom activity using passport forms that students fill out themselves by interviewing classmates is described. The passport lesson is structured to be self-contained, presenting all necessary structures and vocabulary for successful functioning within the unit. It may be used any time during the language program to reinforce an aspect of the…

A discussion of the use of readily-available consumer videotape recorders and recordings that second language students can either respond to or dub with their own soundtracks emphasizes the usefulness of authentic recordings not tailored for instructional use. The recordings either originate abroad or are produced by the students. The playback…

Where English as a Second Language is taught as part of the regular school curriculum, student motivation may be limited. One solution is to encourage involvement in learning by having students write their own tests. For classroom tests used in formative evaluation, this approach can be applied to both group and individual work. A unit from an…

Describes procedures for designing trivia games to be used in teaching English as a second language. The students participate in designing the games, thereby gaining practice in the four basic language skills and the formation of yes-no questions, information questions, and statements. Provides examples for young intermediate ESL students. (SED)

Problems of dealing with ESL students who are functionally, completely, or semi-literate, or who are not familiar with the Roman alphabet, are outlined, and some solutions to material development and class activities are proposed. Examples and a list of resources are included. (MSE)

This book focuses on functional and holistic approaches to English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy, including competency-based education; whole language, language experience, and Freirean or participatory; and writing-based programs that result in published materials to be read by other adults. Chapter 1, "Literacy Through a…