Acquiring proficiency in the various English language skills and the ability to utilize those skills as a medium of learning is a daunting task. Research suggests that children who do not speak English as their first language (L1) need five to seven years in school before they can perform as well in English as their English peers who are native…

As is the worldwide trend, scientists in China face strong and increasing pressure to publish their research in international peer-reviewed journals written in English. There is an acute need for graduate students to develop the required language skills alongside their scientific expertise, in spite of the distinct division currently existing…

Good will and dedication, conviction and faith, can achieve far more in second language courses than mere financial resources and material supplies. A good teacher, who is able to stimulate a class, can perform miracles. (Author)

Claims traditional study abroad programs are impractical for today's student; suggests creating more short-term academic programs abroad in 1980s. Suggests factors to consider: reasons for particular groups' interest in short-term programs, home institutions that are more receptive to shorter programs, ways to gain colleges' acceptance of…

Special features and advantages of foreign language mini-courses and suggestions for establishing a workable system are discussed. One advantage of the system is the minimizing of schedule conflicts. (SW)

Learners in an English for specific purposes workshop in northeast Thailand determined and accomplished their own objectives through the use of logbooks. Analyses of logbook writings and videotaped comments and observations showed the usefulness of logbooks as an available source of assessment information and future program planning. (Contains…

Discusses development of an integrated peer writing assistant program. Student feedback indicates out-of-class peer review is beneficial to them. Writing assistants reported their skills also improved from working with their peers. Offers suggestions for development, coordination, implementation, and integration of a successful peer writing…

Educational goals and objectives of foreign language programs in the United States are described. Trends in objectives are divided into a practical and a personal domain. Practical considerations include: (1) the duty of the school systems to provide a thorough basic education for the taxpayers' dollars, (2) career education, (3) equality of…

Discusses psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic questions relevant to the development of language programs for foreigners, such as student motivation, language aptitude, learning styles, cultural differences, language styles, and communicative competence. Focuses particularly on the cultural problems faced by a foreigner, as a student, client, and…

Through a review of recent studies on the subject, it becomes clear that the focus of innovation in language teaching has been largely concerned with technological change rather than adoption of new pedagogical procedures. Furthermore, the assumptions behind innovation efforts need to be challenged to determine whose interests are being served.…

Recent interest in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been accompanied by an expansion in the demand for CALL centers. The planning and creation of these facilities present educators and administrators with a unique set of challenges. This article highlights these factors and illustrates how a CALL center can be successfully…

The four articles in this volume address themselves to issues in the teaching of English for science and technology (EST). H.G. Widdowson, in "EST in Theory and Practice," argues that teaching that is not informed by a functional approach to language can oversimplify pedagogical problems. "Designing English for Science and…

Describes the systematic planning and subsequent implementation and evaluation of a systemwide Spanish program at the elementary level in a small school district in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses active participation by all senior administrators, the ways in which the language program has been incorporated into the overall curriculum…

The Hawaii State Department of Education offers a growing number of Hawaiian language immersion schools for its students. The article presents the history of immersion schools in Hawaii, examining criticisms of immersion schools, discussing their benefits, and explaining necessary components for success. (SM)