Addresses three issues important to second language learner output: (1) negotiation of meaning; (2) learner production; (3) and repair work. Explains the theoretical background based on research findings, and suggests ways some of these findings may be applied to classroom situations. (Author/VWL)

Explores a way to use gossip in the language classroom to provide language fluency practice. Shows how certain interpersonal exchanges can be encouraged by exploiting the natural proclivity for talking about people. Activities stress social aspects of learning and are intended to provide learners with opportunities to talk and listen. (Author/VWL)

Explores the role of lexical phrases in language teaching. Lexical phrases are an important feature in language use and language acquisition and offer advantages for language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the use of American films and television programs for teaching English. To develop fluency, teachers must provide students with structured activities and discussion used in combination with the videotaped material. Recommends using viewing sheets that consist of easy, multiple-choice questions that students answer as they watch the…

Describes an a second-language-learning activity called "Speak Out" that students have used successfully to achieve fluency in the English-as-a-Second-Language classroom. "Speak Out" is a 30-minute speaking activity that works well in an integrative skill program. The objective is to improve students' fluency through…

Describes the use of secret student/student dialog exchange journals with English-as-a-Foreign-Language students at Tamkang University in Taiwan. This activity helps develop students' fluency and expressive language and increases their awareness of an audience. (Author/VWL)

Describes a speech course conducted recently with a group of Chinese graduate students who have minimal experience with spoken English. The students were highly competent in their field of study--engineering--but displayed low oral proficiency in English. The course encourages repetition of utterances and focuses on voice quality and reduced forms…