Discusses the ethnographic investigation of a multilingual adolescent peer group in which various forms of second/other-language learner status had considerable social significance. The study illustrates the ways a repertoire of languages and language learner statuses serve as differentiated resources adolescents draw on to define community and…

Investigates the positive and negative potential for English-as-a-Second-Language student writers of word processing that are derivable from the properties of the medium. (40 references) (GLR)

Assesses the effects of on-line advice messages that suggest learning strategies to the user. Results support the proposition that the design of learner-controlled interactive video materials for language teaching may be potentially helpful to students who do not come to a database environment equipped with effective language-learning strategies.…

This policy brief, intended for education policymakers, enumerates concerns about literacy which have surfaced in recent years. The brief notes that: (1) American schools have seen enormous changes in student demographics; (2) increased testing of third and fourth graders has provided concrete evidence for what was, in years past, a suspected but…

Examines two proficiency testing models, the ACTFL/ETS Oral Proficiency Interview and another model developed at the University of Wisconsin, to determine which is more appropriate for use in academic settings and whether it is possible to combine the best of both models. (GLR)

Argues that second language learning is a form of enculturation that involves learning the perspectives and identities that a culture allows and values. Proposes that a language teacher is actually changing the cultural identity of the student. (FMW)

This article discusses the historical background of bilingual education and the directions bilingual education has taken in the United States, Canada, Britain, France, and other European countries. Findings concerning the effectiveness of bilingual programs are reported. (CFM)

Issues relating to multicultural education are addressed in seven articles including: (1) the development of cross-cultural competency and tolerance; (2) multicultural guidance; (3) multiethnic representation in reading materials; and (4) moral education in multicultural settings. (RC)

The following articles on second language learning are collected here: (1) "Second-Language Study: Historical Background and Current Status" by Kenneth D. Chastain; (2) "The Value of Second-Language Learning" by Gilbert A. Jarvis; (3) "Psychology and Linguistics as Bases for Language Pedagogy" by Wilga M. Rivers; (4) "Differentiation of Language…

Discusses whether the proficiency approach to teaching Arabic, which is now advocated, is really functional enough to suit true needs of students, and whether the debate concerning proficiency is becoming so polarized as to make impossible real discussion of the issues. Trends and changes that have occurred in the Arabic language over the decades…

Explores language and interaction behaviors of Quechua children that point to the possibility of a stress reaction on their part. Behaviors of Quechua children in two schools, one with and one without a bilingual program, are discussed. Interaction is discussed in terms of underparticipation, overparticipation, and hostile participation. (15…