Motivation is one of the most important factors in the enjoyment and success in learning any subject, especially a foreign language. Many students approach the learning of a language based on academic mandates, family impositions, job requirements, and so on. These non-intrinsic motivations make learning a more difficult, frustrating, and…

Describes steps taken to lower the defense mechanism that acted as a barrier to second language learning for a 5-year-old English-speaking Puerto Rican child. Utilized three key principles: (1) getting to know the student as an individual; (2) changing oneself to adapt to the student; and (3) giving the student a chance to experience comfort and…

This action research case study examined how to handle error correction. Based on an action research cycle that incorporated related second language acquisition studies into the planning stage, the project focused on teacher behaviors and motivations in corrective feedback, including how feedback was given and perceived. Results indicate how…

A York University (Ontario) project in which four French second-language teachers paired with peers for observation of their classroom techniques and interactions is described. It is concluded that this form of extensive peer- and self-evaluation is a powerful tool for understanding the complexity of language teaching and learning. (Contains 14…

This issue highlights six distinct studies. The first study examines the inclusion of literacy props and teacher mediation on the literacy behaviors of young children. The second explores the relationship of amount of talk, diversity of talk, and complexity of talk on the language acquisition of young preschool children who are learning a second…

The role of vision and bodily movement in the field of language instruction is explained by a phonetician and professor of modern language. (CS)

Describes a faculty-development program designed to change teacher attitudes, behavior, and instruction and, thus, improve the achievement of language-minority students in two New York state secondary schools. Examines challenges to creating and maintaining school structures that promote immigrant students' success and identifies factors that lead…

Due to unavailable effective methods for teaching science to language-minority students, science teachers attempting to teach bilingual students experience frustration and become disheartened and discouraged. Often, science teachers only learn successful minority-language teaching strategies through trial and error or through networking and…