This study examines the impact of instructor-led (IL) versus self-access (SA) web-based pragmatic instruction on novice second language learners' (n = 28) awareness and oral production of Spanish apologies. Two sections of a second-semester Spanish course were assigned to either the IL or the SA group. The web-based resource "Dancing with…

Rapid improvements in the capabilities of machine translation (MT) raise questions about possible increases in overreliance on MT among lower-proficiency or novice level language learners. This study investigated how such learners described their use of online MT for independent reading and writing tasks, and whether this included descriptions…

Due to its accessibility and popularity, anime has been explored as a motivation for learning Japanese and as a pedagogical tool linking Japanese-as-a-foreign-language (JFL) literacy practices inside and outside of the classroom. However, JFL learners' actual practices in anime-mediated self-directed learning have not been fully investigated.…

This article focuses on the construct of linguistic risk-taking and outlines a new pedagogical initiative implemented at a Canadian bilingual postsecondary institution. The Linguistic Risk-Taking Initiative aims at encouraging language learners to target specific challenges and seek opportunities to practice their second official language (French…

This study explored the pedagogical benefits of flipped online kanji (i.e., Chinese characters used in Japanese) instruction integrated into college-level introductory and intermediate Japanese language courses. Using a quasi-experimental mixed design, the investigation looked at the effects of two instructional approaches: (1) a flip approach in…

It is asserted that students can discover the rules of German grammar, or any grammar, by asking the right questions about a text; they can write grammars and compile vocabulary lists. Classes that were taught in this way are described. (Author/RM)

Argues that word learnability and ease in the second-language classroom can serve as guidelines in second-language instruction for the following: the selection of words to be taught; the presentation of words; the facilitation of long-term memorization; the development of strategies for self-learning; and the assessment of vocabulary knowledge.…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional methodology placing primary emphasis on students solving realistic problems in a team-oriented environment. In this article, authors discuss using PBL to integrate a language for specific purposes (LSP) track into an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum as a way to prepare students for an…

Given the lack of guidance for teachers regarding the role of explicit grammar instruction in the proficiency-oriented classroom, an experiment investigated how well students are able to read, learn, and use targeted grammar structures on their own. Results suggest they can learn certain kinds of linguistic structures anonymously, but others…

Discusses reasons for the existence of multilevel foreign language classes and methods of coping with the problems they present, including independent study, rotating levels, and split-period approaches. (JB)

Focuses on the development process that culminated in a successful, two-semester, weekend college elementary French course. The article outlines the challenges encountered, the characteristics of the multimedia approach chosen to meet these challenges, and the "andragogical" approach used to adapt this methodology to learner needs. (27 references)…

Language departments in Britain have responded to the need for finding less costly alternatives for delivering instruction, by introducing autonomous language learning into the curriculum. This article warns that it is neither a cheap nor easy alternative, and that there are important economic, psychological, pedagogical, and practical issues to…

A program in beginning French is described in which an individualized approach to language teaching was used to achieve a high level of mastery and avoid grade bargaining by varying the time needed by students to achieve mastery. The same course structure was used to train language majors as teaching assistants. (Author/RM)

Discusses the course content, methodology, architecture, role of the student, and development process of a unique videodisc self-study program to teach Russian speaking, reading, and listening skills to adults. Equivalent to a 120-hour, teacher-delivered course, the course is designed to produce speaking proficiency at the Foreign Service…