This study attempted to investigate the ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom learning environment and student background characteristics to predict student persistence in EFL learning. The study also aimed to investigate whether the associations between learning environment characteristics and persistence varied by several…

This article discusses principles involved in developing course materials for technology-mediated Chinese language learning, with examples from a new course designed to take into account the needs of distance and independent learners. Which learning environment is most efficient for a given learning activity needs to be carefully considered. It…

College English writing instruction has been a prominent research area in EFL field in mainland China. This paper has continued the focus by exploring a seemingly effective way for college English writing instruction in China--teaching writing based on reading on the basis of the "output-driven, input-enabled" hypothesis. This hypothesis…

This article presents a case study focused on the pedagogy of nine English language teachers' pedagogy in Ecuador. The significance of this study is its potential to inform practitioners, teacher educators, and policymakers in countries where teachers need to be prepared to teach in multilingual settings, such as Ecuador. Data analyses of nine…

Contends that German film has had uncinematic handling in American universities. Presents alternative approach and counter proposal surveying crucial highlights of Germany's film heritage. (BK)

Offers arguments for the use of published textbook material as a basis on which to mold the unpredictable interactions necessary to classroom language learning. Suggests that textbooks are useful for orientation and independent study and describes the gradual process of replacement by which new textbook materials evolve. (Author/MES)

A teaching method is described and illustrated that begins with the presentation of a basic dialogue containing new learning material and progresses to the group's acting out its own dialogues and discussing them with the class. The objective is to lead learners from understanding new material to using it creatively and, ultimately, for their own…

There are cognitive, social, personal, and practical reasons for studying a second language, and the syllabus is shaped by these and the identity of the learners, general and specific course objectives, educational principles, course components, learner input, and student evaluation procedures. A dynamic syllabus addresses four language competence…

Discusses the lack of applications of simulations to the study of English for academic purposes. Advocates a "looser" syllabus design which combines knowledge about learning objectives, organization of material, and methodology yet allows for students' needs and ways of learning. (SED)

The role of the syllabus in second language teaching is described, distinguishing six major types of syllabi and how they might be implemented in various teaching situations. The foreign language teaching syllabus involves both the integration of subject matter (what to talk about) and linguistic matter (how to talk about it). Choices of syllabi…

Some aspects of planning second language programs along communicative lines are examined, and a framework for planning communicative classroom activities is described. The problem of determining whether to start planning with methodology and materials or overall curriculum design is discussed at length. A practical solution, a teacher's handbook…

Four questions concerning the communicative approach are addressed: (1) What are its theoretical foundations? (2) How does the new approach force teachers to reexamine the stated goal of helping learners communicate? (3) How does it modify teaching methods? (4) What are the implications of adopting a European teaching model? (MSE)

The stages of development of an adult communicative course in French are outlined, including the principles used in course content selection, structural progression, and the means found for encouraging student participation. The primary influence for the course came from the Council of Europe and experience with adult students. (Author/MSE)

Attempts to clarify the role of grammar in second-language instruction. It is suggested that changes in language teaching have encouraged the view that grammar is one of several dimensions along which learners need to progress to achieve greater proficiency but that it should not be dominant. (22 references) (CK)

Reports a study in which the effects of the changeover of a French course in a London comprehensive lower school from a structural to a unit-credit course were observed and evaluated. A pre-test post-test model composed of 10 measures was used to measure the effects of the change. (SED)