Presents the advantages of using newspapers stored on CD-ROM as a resource for teaching current topics in civilization/culture and current affairs in the foreign- language class. Articles on CD-ROM can be used for vocabulary exercises and comprehension tests, and on-screen text can be altered as desired to create classroom activities. (four…

Focuses on listening activities in the second-language classroom. After discussing problems related to listening and listening as a test versus listening as a learning experience, the article suggests that the teacher exploit what is known about the language and the world to make listening part of a learning whole as opposed to a distinct…

Focuses on the connection between students' learning styles and preferences and draws a distinction between learning and cognitive style. Six major styles are outlined: deep/surface/strategic approach, holist/serialist, converger/diverger, concrete/abstract/, reflective/active, and solitary/social. Further research is recommended. (23 references)…

Focuses on advantages of video as a tool in teaching literature in a foreign language class. Emphasizes that use of visual aids, such as video, can help the reader overcome his limitations in comprehending vocabulary meanings and context of sentences and lists two ways in which a film version of a story can be presented: in nonstop viewing or in…

Examines the role of the video camera in the teaching of languages. Video recording is potentially valuable in language teaching because it allows learners to view their own performance and also offers a stimulating medium in which they can express themselves. Two case studies of the use of video recordings in a classroom environment are…

Presents an academic achievement assessment program undertaken at an English comprehensive school. The assessment had three functions: (1) to ascertain the extent to which teaching and learning objectives are being met; (2) to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses; and (3) to motivate pupils by giving them a regular sense of achievement. (CK)

Examines techniques used by 2 Danish teachers of English as a Second Language with 11- and 12-year-olds that illustrate the autonomous learning approach to second language instruction. The role of the teacher and learners, class activities, and student journals in Danish second language classrooms are discussed. (six references) (MDM)

Reviews several teaching methodologies in terms of negative affect. Findings indicate that in those situations where students have little incentive to do well or admit that they wish to do poorly, increased negative affect can motivate them to function at a level of operational tension and achieve optimum learning and performance. (36 references)…

Examines students' views of an Initial Teacher (IT) Training component of a modern language course and their resulting attitudes toward the use of computers in the language classroom. Most of the students developed a positive attitude towards this use of computers and intended to use them in their future posts. (eight references) (CK)

Evaluates strategies undertaken to improve students' foreign language reading competence. The article focuses on the ability of pupils to cope with reading texts containing unknown vocabulary, students' motivation to overcome difficulties in comprehension, the best methods to attain a permanent vocabulary gain from reading, and the transfer of…

Focuses on how skills required by the visually impaired to facilitate language learning are acquired in mainstream and special schools. (18 references) (CK)