Simulation activities provide opportunities to focus on the individual's contribution, encourage creativity, and build self-esteem. These activities can help develop social skills and understanding of other cultures by fostering attitudes of tolerance and sensitivity. (Examples of simulations are included.) (SED)

Considers the rationale for using a focus on form approach to teaching form as opposed to the more traditional focus on forms approach where linguistic features are treated sequentially. Describes methodological options for attending to form in communication. (Author/VWL)

Proposes several guidelines for the communicative exploitation of translation with advanced foreign language learners at the tertiary level and suggests that the communicative basis for the use of translation as a language teaching technique is derived from the communicative nature of translation as a professional activity. (Author/CB)

Examines a discourse model of classroom interaction to establish the possibility of setting up genuinely communicative situations in foreign language classrooms. Asserts that simulation probably provides the most realistic context that can be established in a classroom and can help bridge the gap between controlled language learning and the…

Looks at the problems that non-native speaker teachers face in teaching communication in an impoverished educational environment and what happens when attempts are made to change from the structural to the functional syllabus. Defines "minimal communicative methodology" and suggests ways to activate the inert materials in textbooks to…

The reasons for teaching/learning English in China are examined, followed by a delineation of the obstacles to be overcome and an explanation of the advantages of using a communicative approach. Experiences of foreign teachers in the classroom and Chinese educators' attitudes are discussed. (21 references) (Author/LB)

Suggests instructional methods and communication strategies for second language learning which include the students' need to express themselves in non-pedagogic situations. Elements of basic awareness of face-to-face interaction are also presented. (Author/CB)

Describes practical conclusion of a study carried out in Israel which investigated the potential effects of role play on communicative competence, motivation and underachieving foreign language learners. The discussion focuses on a suggested procedure, prerequisites and limitations, the positive effects of role play, and its educational value and…

Describes a pilot study that aimed at gaining insights into how language learners benefit from training in interlingual subtitling. The study showed that students' communication competence in both their first and second language improved while they simultaneously mastered transferable skills. (Author/VWL)

Examines English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) undergraduate students' experiences with communicative language teaching (CLT), supported by in-class tasks and after-class newsgroup discussion. Presents students' perceptions of and their feelings about their learning experiences with this teaching approach, as well the frames of reference within which…

A review of literature regarding the communicative approach to language teaching discusses achievements and problems with this approach, language learning and the social self, speech and cognition, and reactive and proactive initiative. The need to develop language learning environments which will enhance proactive initiative and self-reliance in…

The claim that computer simulation exercises provide an excellent source of speaking practice is considered by examining the properties of computer simulations from a theoretical point of view and by describing the experience of using a particular simulation in a general English as a foreign language classroom. (Author/SED)

Describes interactive video, compares disc- and tape-based systems, and summarizes the considerations that led to the development of the "Autotutor," an interactive video system for language learners. The process of creating interactive video learning materials is explained and its advantages to the learner are discussed. (SED)

Describes a nine-stage approach, involving a slide program and the language lab, that puts students in authentic situations and provides them with an alternative series of protocols, verbal strategies, and syntactic transactions. (Author/RM)

Discusses the process of native language learning and explores the relationship between it and second language learning. It is suggested that in a language curriculum, the initial emphasis should be on receptive skills. Accuracy, appropriateness, and fluency in communication are discussed, as well as instructional modes for training in these…