Item response theory (IRT) is currently the dominant methodological paradigm in educational and psychological measurement. IRT models are based on assumptions about the relationship between latent traits and observed responses, so the accuracy of the methodology depends heavily on the reasonableness of these assumptions. This dissertation consists…

A method for teaching second language writing to beginning students that combines the Language Experience Approach and process writing is described. The method limits the writing task and fosters success. The lesson-by-lesson implementation plan outlined helps teachers guide students from the conception of a writing topic to a first draft, through…