This article provides a field-based account of how to develop and implement an adult workplace literacy program for English as a Second Language (ESL) students based upon the principles of a social practices definition of literacy. The purpose of the program is to provide basic literacy instruction for the growing population of Spanish-speaking…

A group of papers concerning English language syllabus design for general education curricula developed for a symposium on that topic includes an introduction on the definition and function of syllabuses by Christopher Brumfit, and a paper providing a review and discussion of terminology, background to the discussion, and current views on the…

The Samoan Demonstration Program had the objectives of: (1) reaching disadvantaged Samoan immigrants to Hawaii to help them compete for vocational and apprenticeship programs; (2) integrating the program's services with other resources to reach the total family unit; (3) instituting peer instruction as a curriculum innovation; (4) teaching basic…

The guide is intended to aid Manitoba's high school administrators and curriculum developers in adapting and classifying standard courses specifically for students of English as a Second Language (ESL). It begins with a description of the ESL course designation and a brief discussion of characteristics of the ESL learner. The distinction between…

This article discusses the development of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curricula that are consistent across course levels. The article argues that to maintain consistency, teachers must cooperate to form an ongoing, systematic development of subskill-based course guidelines in the skill areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and…

A proposal for introducing basic communication courses into China's foreign language curriculum argues that it is a change needed to meet the new objectives of foreign language teaching in that country. Four suggestions for a smooth transition include: (1) basing the communication courses on what already exists in the curriculum; (2) using a large…

The planning guide for developing Adult English as a Second Language Programs focuses on implementing six goals relating to: utilizing community resources, utilizing communication skills, participating in community networks, utilizing occupational advancement opportunities, functioning in multi-cultural life styles, and functioning at individual…

In Japanese colleges and universities, native speaker teachers in English departments are sometimes called on to teach courses that furnish English majors with the necessary tools to write their graduation theses in English. This study was undertaken at one university to determine what constitutes a graduation thesis, what aspects of the thesis…

This is a suggested syllabus for English instruction in Grades 10-12 of Israeli schools. Part one states that the main aim of the English Studies program is "to provide the pupil with a means of communication with the non-Hebrew-speaking world." The language skills stressed are reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and speech,…

The role of collaborative research to support curriculum change is discussed, drawing on experiences with the Australian Adult Migrant English Program during a period of extensive change. The research undertaken was to assess the impact of competency-based curriculum on classroom practice and course design. The research project engaged 30…

A teacher of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) reading courses at Doshisha University (Japan) describes classroom techniques and activities involving use of the computer and assesses the benefits, difficulties, and instructional results. Data are drawn from two ESL classes using computer-based instruction (CBI) offered in 1 year. The primary…

This article attempts an analysis of the problems involved in creating a course in English as a second language for adult beginners. Various learning theories and linguistic theories are discussed, which should be taken into consideration in choosing a teaching method. In addition, care must be taken to distinguish among the four language skills…

The structure of an 8-week intensive course in literature for advanced learners of English as a Second Language is described. Focus is on engaging student interest with texts rich in theme and/or language that can elicit thoughtful discussion. In the first 2 weeks, the language and length of the texts (short stories) selected make them relatively…

The guide for developing curricula and instructional materials is intended for use in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction and instruction in other second/foreign languages. It presents an overview of the course designer's task and some available techniques. First, assessment of educational needs and relevant societal factors is…

Three essays focus on integrating subject matter and the English used to communicate it as a technique for teaching limited-English-proficient students. "Integrating Language and Mathematics Learning," by Theresa Corasaniti Dale and Gilberto J. Cuevas, discusses the vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and discourse features of mathematics;…