Examines foreign attitudes toward Chinese learning methods in the light of a course taught in China. Argues that there are a number of historical, psychological, and pedagogical reasons for the Chinese learning methods and that these methods are not necessarily unworkable alongside modern English-as-a-foreign-language teaching methods. (SED)

Argues that the "communicative approach" to second-language teaching ignores possible differences in students' needs, interests, and responses. Describes a survey of students' attitudes at a secondary school in Spain and three experiments on the interaction between the first and the target languages and on the effectiveness of communicative and…

Recounts how the author planned one computer-based language lesson, which she describes as a "disaster," and how she combined her own analysis with feedback from the students to plan a more successful second lesson. Discusses student failure, purpose and motivation, appropriateness of materials, process-oriented learning, and openness between…

Presents recommendations for a teachers'-guide evaluation checklist intended for less-experienced English-as-a-Second-Language teachers. The checklist can be used independently to meet various objectives. Notes reasons for evaluating materials, discusses published checklists, and presents a revised compilation of their criteria and a concise…

Suggests that using mazes in English-as-a-Second-Language and other preservice-teacher-education classes provide student teachers with an opportunity to enhance decision-making skills by choosing a particular course of action and reflecting on its likely outcomes. Mazes let students engage in debate with their peers about classroom actions without…