Critically reviews some important attempts at needs analysis which have been made in the last 10 years and identifies strengths and weaknesses of needs analysis at the present stage of its development. Suggests that there is currently no objective method of analyzing learner needs. (EKN)

Examines Heinrich Schliemann's method of acquiring a second language primarily by means of conscious learning. It is revealed that Schliemann probably obtained a great deal of comprehensible input in English. (nine references) (GLR)

Discusses the theories of contrastive analysis and error analysis in second language learning with regard to the idea that a language closely related to one's own native language is easier to learn that a remotely related one. (EKN)

Discusses a design-feature framework for analyzing "simulations" in realistic-communication activities in foreign language classrooms. The link between design factors and two aspects of student language (quantity of output and topic-structure) with reference to two "simulation-type" activities are examined. (30 references) (GLR)

Two small-scale studies of foreign language test validity are reviewed. The teacher variable is found to be the great threat to test validity, even when grammatical material is presented in the language laboratory. Suggestions for compensating for teacher influence are offered. (JB)

Evaluates a multimedia program produced to support test takers facing a new performance test for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers in Hong Kong as part of a language certification test. Describes how groups of trainee ESL teachers in Hong Kong were first introduced to the test via the print syllabus produced by the Hong Kong…

Discusses a study of the relative benefits of a year-long reading comprehension course for English as a foreign language students, compared with an intensive summer course using the same curriculum. Students were separated into groups according to their language abilities. Although improvement in both cases was nearly equal, the summer course is…

Reports on the value of Project Work in INSET as practiced on 10-week courses at the Institute for English Language Education, Lancaster University. The two roles in which the student is addressed during the project (participant as writer or participant as researcher) are questioned. (six references) (GLR)

Examines whether a defect of the C-test can be avoided by constructing a C-test with five texts and 126 items. The test was tried with 146 Iranian English majors. On the basis of item analysis, a tailored C-test with 100 items was developed and tried with 60 other subjects. Results show no gains were made with the classical item analysis.…

Offers guidelines for eliciting, modeling, and evaluating written-as-if-spoken dialogues for testing learner's oral productive skills prior to interviewing or in place of interviews. (16 references) (GLR)

Describes students' and teachers' reactions to working in peer feedback groups in a foreign language composition course, including such aspects as peer feedback compatibility, process approach to writing, and ways in which feedback teams can function more effectively. (Author/CB)