Guided by the principles of the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design (ID) model, this creative instructional product presents a learning/teaching approach that is fundamentally constructivist. For the purposes of designing effective instruction in an academic preparation course, a…

The importance of a structured learning framework or interrelated frameworks is the cornerstone of a solid English as a foreign language (EFL) computer-assisted language learning (CALL) curriculum. While the benefits of CALL are widely promoted in the literature, there is often an endemic discord separating theory and practice. Oftentimes the…

Professional development is seen as a way to maintain and enhance the quality of teachers. The acquired knowledge does not only bring about improvement in the teaching process, but also leads to career growth. This article discusses the concept of professional development in the field of language teaching which is distinctive from other fields.…

This resource is a compilation of three documents that support the teaching of spelling in today's schools: a discussion of "Why Spelling Instruction Matters", a checklist for evaluating a spelling program, and tables of Common Core State Standards that are linked to spelling instruction. "Why Spelling Instruction Matters"…

This paper provides information about Mississippi Subject Area Testing Program. The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum; (2) Provide data to state policymakers on student attainment of state education goals to inform education policy decisions; (2) Increase alignment of local…

This paper provides information about Idaho Standards Achievement Test, a comprehensive standards-based test. The purpose of the test is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum, grade 10; (2) Encourage districts and schools to identify and serve students at risk of academic failure; (3) Provide data to…

Discusses how language arts skills are prerequisite for nearly every occupation. Considers the problem that many prerequisite skills remain hidden until the worker is actually on the job. Notes that for students, the link between school and work is unclear. Looks more in-depth at the language arts demands of police work. (SG)

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional methodology placing primary emphasis on students solving realistic problems in a team-oriented environment. In this article, authors discuss using PBL to integrate a language for specific purposes (LSP) track into an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum as a way to prepare students for an…

Discusses a new language curriculum model called the "merry-go-round model," which involves the use of levels rather than courses. By emphasizing skill acquisition rather than course completion, this system allows individual progression and groups students according to their level of skill development. Assessment in this program is…

This volume presents papers that dicusss the need for more systematic and rigorous research programs to monitor the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines and their various implementations. "A Progress Report on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, 1982-1986" (David V. Hiple), traces the…

Described is how the utilization of the science classroom for the development of language skills, particularly in the area of writing. Suggested activities include crossword puzzles, poetry, puppet shows, comic books and letter writing. (Author/DS)

Discusses the teaching of oral communication skills in programs of English as a Second Language. Speaking and listening are discussed because major skill areas, pronunciation is presented as a subset of both speaking and listening development. (114 references) (GLR)

Describes two approaches to teaching vocational English as a second language: (1) describing work activities in terms of processes and procedures and (2) describing work activities in terms of specific human behaviors. Suggests a goal analysis as an initial step before deciding which approach to take in any training project. (SED)

This article discusses the development of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) curricula that are consistent across course levels. The article argues that to maintain consistency, teachers must cooperate to form an ongoing, systematic development of subskill-based course guidelines in the skill areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and…

The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) provides transitional instruction for upper elementary and secondary students (at intermediate and advanced levels of English as a second language) through three components: a curriculum correlated with mainstream content subjects; academic language development activities; and learning…