Provides fun ideas for filling in time gaps in the English-as-a-foreign language classroom. (Author/VWL)

Argues for using a variety of dictionaries in the second-language classroom, identifies some criteria to consider when selecting a dictionary, and suggests activities that teachers may use in their second-language classes. (Author/VWL)

Discusses cooperative learning in second- and foreign-language learning. The article offers a working definition of cooperative learning accompanied by examples of cooperative activities easy to incorporate into everyday teaching routines. Arguments and counterarguments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of cooperative learning are presented.…

Second language tasks are often described as classroom activities that promote greater student participation, yet many studies only discuss participation in aggregates, such as total turns at talk or total words per turn. The aim here is to demonstrate that a qualitative inquiry into tasks can equally reveal important participatory and…

The present study focuses on young EFL learners' use of the L2 to convey various linguistic functions (ask for information, talk about personal things, etc.). Based on the functional categories identified by Halliday (1975) and Painter (1999) in the development of the L1, and after having observed the use of these functions in a full-immersion EFL…

For many university teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL), the study of literature is indispensable because it exposes students to meaningful contexts that are replete with descriptive language and interesting characters. Structuring lessons around the reading of literature introduces a profound range of vocabulary, dialogues, and prose.…

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15th through October 15th, is a great opportunity to kick off a whole year of cultural discovery. This article presents 25 great ideas for Hispanic heritage. These 25 fresh ideas--from Aztec math to Carnaval masks--are easy to put together, and they offer students the chance to celebrate their own…

Discusses the application stage of the language teaching process, its purpose, some effective application activities and certain techniques for conducting these activities. (PP)

Discusses ways in which teachers can establish an atmosphere which will foster the creative use of language among their students. (PM)

Shadowing and summarizing are deceptively simple tasks that can greatly enhance learning. This video shows a real class going through shadowing and summarizing activities that train them to carry out these skills in many ways. There are also explanations of the rationale and background to help teachers grasp the value inherent in shadowing and…

Discusses the use of humor in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language classroom. Suggests that when student laugh they learn better. Highlights ways to make learning activities fun and provides a humor questionnaire. (Author/VWL)

Presents a rapid memory game that allows students of Spanish to distinguish promptly between the uses of the prepositions "por" and "para." Explains the game and various accompanying activities. (AS)

Recommends the study of "La Symphonie pastorale," a novel by Andre Gide, for moderately advanced students of French as a second language. Presents various activities to be performed before, during and after reading the story, a pastor's journal, to help students understand the ironic aspects and ambiguities of the book. (AS)

Use of any theatrical technique in the language learning classroom allows the linking of the verbal and the nonverbal, whereby the student may draw freely on his or her communicative resources. The approach described offers several methods for providing contexts or formats within which to improvise. (CNP)