Finds that, while games are useful as a motivating device in foreign language teaching, many games decribed in the literature are not introduced because they seem to the teacher to be too complicated. Simplifications and variations of some well-known games are suggested. (IFS/WGA)

Demonstrates what is to be understood by "procedural knowledge," at a time when researchers demand more process-oriented language courses to replace factual knowledge-oriented ones. The article presents a neurobiologically based model of the mental processes involved in the acquisition and use of language knowledge and discusses how pedagogical…

Presents a collection of pictures presenting a visual array of the geographic features, customs, art, dress, and traditions of the Spanish culture on the European continent that are intended for classroom use. (Author/CK)

Presents a rationale for utilizing trivia to teach conversation. Shows how trivia-based materials fit into communicative language teaching approaches and provides examples of trivia-based activities and explains how to use them in the classroom. (Author/VWL)

Discusses two Internet activities called Postcards and Talking Heads that can be used by second and foreign language teachers in the classroom. Theoretical justification for using Internet technology is provided, and learning outcomes of Internet activities are discussed. (Author/VWL)

Examines the debate over the text or media that best enable second-year learners of German to increase their active vocabulary. Suggests the novel "Der Richter und sein Henker" can be enriched by the film adaptation. Classroom tested activities incorporate care fully-sequenced visuals and culminate in analysis of both the book and the film. Sample…

Techniques used in dramatics are proposed as a means of opening up students' self-expression and improving linguistic production in the language class. Specific approaches and activities are described. (MSE)

Instructors are prepared to use Spanish versions of English-speaking and bilingual artists' recordings to teach language structures and enhance the five skill areas. This article reviews the literature and pedagogical use of songs and also provides a list of recordings, recommendations for classroom use, and two sample lesson plans. (Contains 20…

Discusses how satellite technology offers the opportunity to use foreign television programs for teaching purposes as they were broadcast or on videotape. Cost factors are highlighted, and classroom activities are suggested.(LB)

French cuisine offers a valuable resource for creating culture-based contexts for language use in the classroom. Suggestions and ideas are presented for incorporating food-related activities in the French class. (VWL)

Explains the rationale for the use of Spanish music in Spanish language classes, and describes students' reactions, how the music is used to help the listening/writing experience, and how recorded commercials in Spanish aid in learning language patterns. (GLR)

A discussion of task-based second-language instruction gives background on the underlying theory for task-based instruction, task characteristics and components, research on task-based instruction (task features, task implementation conditions), measurement issues, selection and presentation of tasks (pre-, during, and post-task phases), and…

Mnemonic techniques for teaching French verbs and their corresponding prepositions to native English speakers are presented. The devices are outlined by category of verb and preposition. Then specific techniques for presentation, memorization, and further uses are described. (Contains six references.) (MSE)

Mnemonic devices summarize and simplify grammar rules, especially when applied to the verb forms found in Romance languages. The article presents two mnemonic devices helpful in summarizing the uses of two verb tenses. These include coining a word to illustrate a rule and projecting irregular verb forms on a Mexican "sombrero." (four references)…

Reports three English-as-a-foreign-language experiments that indicate that a lexical organization along metaphoric themes or source domains can facilitate retention of unfamiliar figurative expressions. Proposes classroom activities aimed at enhancing language learners' metaphor awareness and at turning this into an additional channel for…