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 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…

Discusses the need for adequate student user manuals for computer software and presents guidelines to help teachers develop these manuals. The sections that a student manual should contain are outlined, including objectives, pretests and posttests for self-evaluation, and worksheets; and examples are given for further clarification. (LRW)

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)

Now mandated in a number of states, student portfolios are being adopted by many local school systems. Using the metaphor of travel, this guide presents practical and innovative ideas for working with student-managed portfolios--from planning and preparation to maintenance and evaluation. After describing what portfolios are and offering a…

Innovation, imagination, and student creativity are key ingredients in creating quality media materials for the small school. Student-produced media materials, slides without a camera, personalized slide programs and copy work, self-made task cards, self-made overhead transparencies, graphic materials, and utilization of the mass media are some of…

Designed to help parents and staff members construct educational materials for elementary school students, the document presents over 60 learning activities representing a broad spectrum of skill areas and levels. Several construction tips are followed by a list of materials frequently used in constructing educational activities. Activity…

This book provides a framework for offering students ways to share information with a real audience and is intended to assist teachers in operating hypermedia software and in using instructional strategies and learning environments that provide opportunities for student collaboration. The curriculum ideas presented in this book have been developed…

Visual aids can provide a visual context for the mastery of new terminology, helping to make the abstract appear concrete and introducing new approaches to material that can easily become dull and routine. Visual aids can be easy to make, by the instructor alone or with the help of the class, and they can be designed to illustrate concepts…

Explains a class project in which high school seniors designed a "Trivial Pursuit" game focused on the Civil War. Students developed questions in chronological categories then divided into teams to play the game. Stresses student involvement and active learning while creating and playing the game. Includes sample game card and references…

A project developed a model multicultural curriculum for teaching students of English as a Second Language as well as students at a 6-8 grade reading level whose first language is English. The project proposed to bring together adults from at least four ethnic groups in a South Philadelphia neighborhood for the purpose of studying each other's…

There are ways in which elementary teachers in general and rural elementary teachers in particular can overcome inadequate science preparation and can upgrade the science program resources of their small schools. Parents and children should be involved in obtaining free and inexpensive science-related materials throughout the year. These can be…