An Approach to Well-balanced Education with Vocabulary Building

This article refers to English education in compulsory courses for first-year students at a women’s university in Japan. The purpose of the course is to provide a well-balanced learning of the four skills including vocabulary building. Features of textbooks teachers adopt will be described, which include speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities. There are similarities coursebooks share, though they all retain their originality. Class activities can be categorized into active or passive tasks, auditory or literary tasks, and they should be implemented in an effective way. Each task involves vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Such fundamental knowledge should be introduced effectively in class. Teachers are required to make the best use of materials so that learners are encouraged to study effectively on campus and off campus. This research will suggest the ways to work cooperatively in class and promote autonomous learning.