This work is an attempt to explain the rationale and thinking that contributes to the "communication strategy" approach and to illustrate the practical applications of its ideas to second language teaching. It also proposes an approach to teaching based on two major goals: first, to incorporate the better features of audiolingual methods into a truly cognitive approach, allowing for maximum use of communicative language from the very beginning, without relying on the first language of the student; second, to enhance and increase second language learning, no matter which method or textbook is used. Other topics treated in the book include: (1) a taxonomy of second language education; (2) stages in second language learning; (3) the generative-transformational model, and its applications to classroom instruction; (4) the development of semantic concepts; (5) the development of course progression; (6) developing materials for specific communicative contexts; (7) steps in audio-visual communicative approach; and (8) how to teach the communicative unit, with two examples of communicative lessons for "Beginning American English." (MES)