[en] The R-matrix approach to the dynamical prediction of nuclear continuum phenomena is discussed with the aim of reducing the calculational labor involved when several particle degrees of freedom are active. A division of the basis states into two general types is proposed, together with procedures for evaluating the matrix elements of the residual interaction approximately for states for which direct evaluation becomes prohibitive. Specific channel states, defined non-iteratively, are introduced such that channel convergence is guaranteed with only two states in each open channel. Test calculations with a simple, exactly soluble two-channel model yield encouraging results. (Auth.)