Motivation, a major contributor to the acquisition of language skills, can be promoted consciously through principled methods. This study investigated the impact of cooperative learning (CL) on foreign language (FL) learners' motivation in Iran. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were applied to pursue the aims of this study. The…

This study examined how a dialogic reading (DR) program with a component of multisensory learning (MS) of Chinese characters improved early Chinese reading and writing skills in L2 Chinese-speaking kindergarteners in Hong Kong. The DR + MS program was compared to the same DR program but focusing on morphological awareness (MA) training. A total of…

This study investigated the reading experiences of Arabic language learners who were introduced to the ALDAAD Web-based leveled reading program compared to the experiences of students who followed their school's mainstream Arabic reading curriculum. It focused on ACTFL's number one research priority area: integration of language, culture, and…

Research into dual-modality theory has long rested on the assumption that presenting input in two modalities leads to better learning outcomes. However, this may not always hold true. This study explored the possible advantages of using dual modality in repeated reading--a pedagogy often used to enhance reading development--for two literacy…

This study used a mixed-method approach to investigate the effectiveness of Readers Theater (RT) in promoting English as a foreign language children's reading and writing proficiency after a participation period of one semester. In addition, the researcher recorded and analyzed children's learning motivation and feedback toward RT. The…

This study examined whether foreign language learner anxiety and motivational goal orientations remained stable across two different classroom contexts: a reading course and a conversation course. The researcher measured anxiety and four types of motivational goal orientations by surveying 59 Korean college students learning English in both…

This study analyzes the effects of the Interactive Reading with Instructor Support (IRIS) model on reading comprehension, as compared to a traditional (direct-teaching/lecture format) instructional model. The IRIS model combines reading strategies and social mediation together in the Spanish as a second language environment. In the IRIS model,…

Describes ways to create visuals with nonphotographic slides that can enhance both language teaching and learning. The slides can be used to teach lexical items, grammatical concepts, and reading and writing skills; to introduce and use dialogues; and to play language games. Suggests that creating slides be taught in teacher training classes. (SED)

Comments on points raised in June Phillips' paper, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading." These points are: successful comprehension of any reading selection depends upon three interrelated factors; reading should be thought of in terms of stages and purposes; and teachers should use reading selections to incorporate a…

Presents psycholinguistic views of second language reading which see reading comprehension as a result of an interaction among three factors: higher-level conceptual abilities, background knowledge, and process strategies. Discusses kinds of reading to teach and kinds of texts and materials to select for different proficiency levels and given…

Defines reading as a psycholinguistic process. Discusses research into the application of models of native language reading to the processes of second language reading which suggests that there are positive correlations between reading ability in native and target languages. Presents practical applications of this research to teaching reading in a…

The cloze technique can be used to help word-by-word readers acquire more mature reading strategies. This article provides suggestions for creating and using cloze exercises which vary in difficulty and focus. Recommendations are made for introducing and directing cloze training. Sample exercises are given. (Author/PJM)

Argues that reading should be a significant portion of the foreign language student's experience but that, in order for the reading to be an occasion for comprehensible input, the text must be authentic, meaningful to students, and followed by questions which encourage reading for meaning. Gives examples of such questions. (SED)

Discusses the differences in the processes used in reading in a first language and in a second language. Presents some current definitions of reading and details those principles and activities most likely to advance the comprehension process for foreign language learners. Offers a classroom plan for developing reading comprehension. (SED)

Discusses June Phillips' article, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading." Cites studies, most of which support Phillips' assertions, especially her five-stage process for reading instruction. Recommends the development of teacher training and instructional materials based on this research. Also discusses text selection,…