The Gold Suit Connection

No matter what the latest ideas on innovative uses of the language laboratory (ll), teachers working in the field can count on the fact that commercial LL materials they purchase will consist of traditional drill or artificial conversations. For those who have left behind the audio-lingual paradigm and are working toward the rationalist mode of facilitating language learning and developing a sense of community among the students, such work in the laboratory is not only meaningless but also damaging in that drills in booths work toward isolating the student from both the teacher and fellow students. The following materials were not originally designed for the purpose of utilizing a Ll; rather, the course was developed in accordance with the overall approach of a particular 1ntensive English program, and the Ll was brought in later as the best means to facilitate the implementation. However, the effectiveness and popularity of the course have proven that the LL is an indispensable component of t!-:e course and further, that any institution with an LL should consider developing such materials.