In his critique of the Huffman (2014) article, McLean (2016) undertakes an important reflective exercise that is too often missing in the field of second language acquisition and in the social sciences in general: questioning whether the claims made by researchers are warranted by their results. In this article, Jeffrey Huffman says that McLean…

In this response to Sakurai, Meredith Stephens agrees that Sakurai (2015) raises an important issue of which native English speaking teachers may be unaware; Japanese learners of English typically translate into Japanese while reading English. Sakurai explained, "It is speculated that Japanese students naturally translate English into…

The paper "The influence of translation on reading amount, proficiency, and speed in extensive reading" (Sakurai, 2015) outlined the first six years of the official English education system and policy in Japan. It then discussed the efficacy of extensive reading (ER) followed by a distinction between reading and translation. Previous…

Stuart McLean refers in this commentary to Jeffrey Huffman's article "Reading Rate Gains during a One-Semester Extensive Reading Course" (v26 n2 p17-33 Oct 2014) [See: EJ1044344], in which Huffman reports that extensive reading (ER) was an effective way to provide large amounts of comprehensible input to foreign language learners, but…

Calls for reexamination of English courses, as to content, organization, and procedures. Adds a report of experience with language workrooms at "general education schools" in Bremen, and some suggestions regarding intensive courses. (IFS/WGA)

Extracts from a journal kept by a French-speaking adult student in an intensive German language class are presented here. It is a critique of the audio-visual method, texts, teaching techniques, and students' reactions during the two parts of the course at the University of Berne. The extracts deal particularly with a comparison of the texts used…

This paper presents suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of intensive language workshops designed to upgrade and reinforce the language skills of high school foreign language teachers. Once the decision has been made to organize a workshop, the following steps might be taken: identifying the range of needs and interests of the…

The suggestopedic method of teaching, especially the Suggestive Accelerative Learning Technique (SALT), is explained in detail. Its use in a summer intensive language course is illustrated. The importance of removing impediments to the learning process is stressed. (SK)

Discusses issues related to the integration of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) into an intensive English program (IEP), drawing from the experiences of a program involved in change from a skill-separated to a skill-integrated curricular model. Emphasizes that student use of software should be monitored and that programs should have…

Many intensive advanced English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes become boring for advanced ESL learners because the courses offer little opportunity for them to experience the interplay between language proficiency and background knowledge. The implementation of a sourcebook project can provide a renewing input into the curriculum for advanced…

Focuses on the teaching of French-as-a-Second-Language in Holland. The following questions are discussed: (1) Can an intensive teaching method be used in a nonintensive setting? (2) Can learning be accelerated (i.e., can two years be taught in one). (SBR)

A discussion of computer software evaluation for second-language instruction concludes that it is important to match the purpose of the software with the teacher's goals, have good instructions, receive clear and appropriate feedback, and promote productive interaction with the student. (11 references) (MSE)

Roles and responsibilities of intensive English program (IEP) administrators are discussed. A dozen suggestions for enhancing effective relationships with senior-level administrators and for developing faculty development programs are offered. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)

Research on Arizona State University's intensive English program indicates that the majority of students learned about it through family, relatives, or friends in the local community, not through its extensive overseas recruiting techniques or electronic technology. Local recruiting strategies include local English media features and advertising,…

Reviews research on the time factor in language pedagogy and on the relationship between time and other factors such as age, aptitude, previous language learning experience, and the total curriculum. Discusses the advantages of compact courses and outlines steps to be taken to implement them successfully. (SED)