Scott, Dostal, and Lane-Outlaw challenge findings and conclusions from a literature review by Mayer and Trezek [EJ1269623] regarding the literacy achievement of deaf children who are educated in schools and programs that espouse bilingual ASL/English instruction. Mayer and Trezek's article appeared in the Winter 2020 "American Annals of the…

Banned from the classroom by followers of the "direct method," translation has been overlooked as a desirable skill in its own right, and also as a valuable medium of the teaching process. With this skill, the students learn to understand and utilize a dictionary, practice pronunciation, build up vocabulary, perfect writing ability, and…

This article discusses the importance of fostering the development of a "first language" as demonstrated by each hearing impaired student. Nine factors are presented for consideration by educators working with children who do not have a strong first language base on which to build second language (i.e., English) skills. (Author/CB)

Some concepts to help teachers adhere to classroom instruction in the target language are presented and discussed. These include ideas related to the teacher's speech (visual cues, speed, and repetition and rephrasing), student speech (teacher-assisted and student-dominated communication), out-of-class assignments, and teacher assessment of…

Most East African nations have adopted the colonial languages of English or French as the medium of communication and education. One notable exception is Tanzania where, while each ethnic group has its own language, Kiswahili serves as an effective lingua franca. (RM)

Filipinos speak more than a hundred different languages, 10 to 15 of which are major. In addition, the Philippines was occupied by two foreign powers, each speaking a different language, i.e., Spanish and English. This situation has resulted in a number of different language policies throughout the country's history. These policies are discussed.…

A study compared choices made by administrators in French- and English-language institutions under growing fiscal constraints. Areas of agreement are considerable, but university administrators are adhering less closely to government priorities than other institutions, and some differences in institutional choices appear to be related to the…

Links between language and identity are so strong that attempts to correct nonstandard speech are likely to be interpreted by West Indian children as criticism or rejection. A far more constructive approach would be to acknowledge and accept Creole in the classroom. (Author)

Examines three myths about bilingual education and issues related to them. Topic areas include: types of bilingual education; maintenance, enrichment, and transitional programs; language choice in the bilingual classroom; second language development; and criteria for mainstreaming, the goals of bilingual education, and the linguistic…

Those aspects of bilingual education particularly relevant to the teaching of mathematics are examined. The discussion includes a brief overview of bilingual education and consideration of languages of instruction, appropriate cultural referents, and cognitive styles. (MK)

Discusses a report of a task force on English language education in Quebec. Describes each portion of the report: educational policy, issue analysis and recommendations, and predictions that English-speaking student enrollment in Quebec will continue to fall. Includes additional opinions on other subjects. (DK)

A discussion of the use of Japanese in the English language classroom in Japan proposes that whatever justification is given for the English-only classroom is based on two flawed arguments: (1) outright rejection of the traditional grammar-translation method; and (2) the false assumption that an English-only requirement is an essential element of…

Singapore's language policy must balance the wishes of the various ethnic groups, the political situation in the regions, and the needs of economic development. Malay, Mandarin Chinese, English, and Tamil are all recognized as official languages. Malay has special symbolic status as the national language. (RM)

Arguments for students' use of their first language as well as English in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom are reexamined. Pedagogical and political aspects of ESL instruction are noted. (LB)

In September 1992, France opened 104 high school subject-area classes taught in English, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. The experience of the first year of these "European sections" is examined, and the implications for change in the French education system are considered. (MSE)