Presents an overview of "constructivist" models of speech perception and information processing and reviews a variety of aural comprehension evaluation techniques which reflect those models. (PMJ)

Suggests that books written for English-speaking children can be used effectively in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. The teacher may choose one particular text to use effectively in many different ways. (CFM)

This article discusses various studies that deal with understanding written and oral discourse and demonstrates the implications of these studies for second language teaching. (CFM)

This article suggests criteria for evaluating listening comprehension tests. The weaknesses of typical test items are discussed and suggestions for new types of items are given. (CFM)

Besides lack of motivation and insufficient time allowed for foreign language study, one reason for the failure to develop communicative competence in second language students lies in the methodology. Until recently, most second language pedagogy has centered on linguistic competence, or knowledge of how to communicate in a language. Research in…

Four variations of programed filmstrips were shown to 80 deaf children to improve comprehension of the passive voice. (Author/CL)

This paper reviews some of the strategies the receiver uses in the process of comprehending a message in a foreign language and discusses some of the ways in which the listener/reader goes beyond the actual physical form of the message during this process. The role of guessing is discussed in the context of the following theories: the…

Reports on the methods used in utilizing broadcasts of the British Forces Broadcasting Service in teaching English as a foreign language. (IFS/WGA)

Provides examples of listening comprehension tests used in England which take into account communicative skill testing. (AM)

Two reading comprehension tests were made up based on two different texts thought to be of equal difficulty. An analysis of the texts and test items was performed after students taking one of the tests scored considerably higher than the other students, and it was determined that one text was in fact more difficult. (CFM)

A modified version of the traditional dictation exercise is recommended in order to answer two unmet needs which caused such exercises to fall into disfavor: the systematic teaching of specific points, and the use of authentic linguistic samples. (JB)

Proposes a method for teaching reading comprehension in a second language that may be used on an individualized basis and that develops reading skill through inference. (AM)

Describes the way foreign languages have been taught in the Netherlands, the way reading comprehension in a foreign language is tested there, and educational objectives that should be taken into consideration in teaching foreign languages. (GT)

Following a brief review of the literature on cognates, and a discussion of six arguments in favor of using cognates as a vocabulary acquisition device, a study is described which was designed to determine whether students were able to utilize English-French cognates in listening and reading comprehension in French. Seventy-four tenth grade…

Discusses general strategies and specific devices to motivate intermediate and advanced students to use the language laboratory frequently and efficiently. Suggests types of materials most effective for language laboratory use. (PMJ)