ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 looks closely at the principle of the four strands. A well-balanced language course should consist of the four equal strands of meaning-focused input, meaning-focused output, language-focused learning, and fluency development. Each strand involves particular conditions that need to be met for the strand to exist. Learning through each strand can be maximized by making sure that there are plenty of opportunities for repetition and quality of processing of language features. Repetition and quality of processing can occur if the vocabulary of the course is controlled, if the learners do deliberate vocabulary learning using flash cards, if the course contains an extensive reading programme, if the subject matter of the course is narrowed or repeated, if there is attention to word-building, if learners are taught how to learn, and if there is a focus on fluency development across the four skills. The chapter also looks at the roles of the teacher in a language course.
