A selection of 29 papers presented at the 1978 TESOL convention is presented. Part one consists of the plenary addresses which concern the following: a survey of the profession, the notional-functional syllabus, the humanization of English as a Second Language, and a review of inconsistencies of national policies and priorities regarding the teaching of English abroad. Part two contains papers on the following professional concerns: variables important in constructing a language instruction program, a model for identifying goals for English achievement overseas, foreign language teaching in the People's Republic of China, a curriculum for maximizing the effectiveness of teachers whose English is less than proficient, the effectiveness of a teacher retraining program in Canada, and the advisability of translation as a part of language training. Part three covers various aspects of classroom practices as follows: (1) ways to adapt materials that are already in print, (2) classroom activities that illustrate the various registers of language use, (3) ways to overcome the drawbacks of huge classes, (4) interactions to prepare students for reading, (5) models for teaching writing, (6) differences between "will" and "be going to," (7) ways to wean students away from dictionary reliance, and (8) a way to assess student progress by accurate observation and attention to students themselves. Part four concerns experimental research. (SW)