Presents a new approach to understanding and using cognitive styles to enhance individual language learning. Introduces a new construct (Ehrman & Leaver, 2002) and illustrates it with two student cases. (Author/VWL)

The process of matching teaching materials and methods to the student's learning style and ability level in foreign language classes is explored. The Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) model offers a diagnostic process for the identification of style. This process can be applied to the language learning setting as a way of presenting material to…

Offers a brief overview of the field of individual differences in language learning, especially as they are reflected in learning styles, learning strategies, and affective variables. Touches on areas for further research. (Author/VWL)

Different types of learning styles among sophisticated second language learners are described. Excerpts are presented of interviews with four adults who were gifted in acquiring command of foreign languages. Each of the respondents used a different approach to second language learning but considered that approach to be the one naturally…

Discusses foreign language pronunciation from phonetic difference and phonetic learning viewpoints. Proposes phonological translation hypothesis based on assumption that neither physiological maturation nor neurological reorganization is as important for adults learning a foreign language without an accent as the tendency of mature speakers to…

Discusses what contributes to success in second-language acquisition, focusing on how cognitive and cultural styles affect a person's ability to study and learn a second language. (81 references) (GLR)

Argues that, even though it may not be possible to change an individuals basic cognitive style, it may be possible to make the learning process more transparent. It is also suggested that strategy training can be useful, providing principles for such training, and practical suggestions for teacher training courses and classroom practices. (37…

Four essays are presented on the subject of bilingualism, with the specific purpose of providing information for teachers about the ways in which they can help language minority children sustain their first language while acquiring English. After an introduction by G. Richard Tucker, the following papers are presented: (1) "Bilingualism: Its…

Starting with H.W. Seliger's distinction between second language learning strategies (abstract cognitive functions used to acquire knowledge) and learning tactics (activities learner uses to acquire language), presents the most important tactics and comments on which learner characteristics and teaching methods take advantage of them. Tactics…

Approaches language teaching and learning with the idea that: (1) before they start learning all human beings are equipped with a great deal of implicit understanding of any new language, and (2) learning of a new language must be ultimately bound up with the process of operating in a new culture. (PJM)

Suggests that while slavish, excessive memorization is a habit that hinders the development of critical skills while stifling originality and precision, in certain cases the best approach is to accept the memorization habit partially, in order to exploit it for its own eventual elimination. Capitalizing on students' intellectual curiosity…

Learners' grammaticality reactions emerge through cognitive processes and relate to the nature of the linguistic stimulus. Discussion of such metalinguistic judgments, particularly learners' tolerance of ill-formedness, attempts to clarify established perspectives, arguing that specific aspects of test strings may influence the saliency of certain…

Discusses the achievement gap of Mexican Americans and other groups in the United States as essentially a question of economics and, suggests that the solution lies in greater access to the wider society. (48 references) (JL)

This paper presents a new perspective on mentoring foreign language teachers. It suggests that mentoring is an essential part of a program manager's responsibilities, but that it is important to individualize the process of mentoring if it is to be as effective as it can be. First, a definition of mentoring and issues surrounding it are discussed.…

Aims to give foreign language reading teachers a way of coping with a common phenomenon in the reading class: students appear to have the linguistic proficiency to deal with a text, but are unable to do so because they are approaching it in an appropriate way. Argues that this problem relates to styles and attitudes in reading and that these may…