Provides a detailed evaluation of the oral proficiency interview and its underlying assumptions of validity and value. The similarities and differences between interviews and conversations are examined, and some of the major problems of proficiency interviewing are illustrated and discussed. (39 references) (Author/VWL)

Reports results of a study investigating patterns of publication for 14 Western-trained Chinese TESOL professionals in China. Open-ended interviews revealed trends in publishing practices, including the perceived influence of English on their writing of Chinese. (Author/VWL)

Problematizes the use of the interview for research on second language acquisition and second language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Examines the cognitive basis of one experienced English-as-a-foreign-language teacher's instructional decisions in grammar teaching. Based on extensive classroom observations and interviews, the article describes the teacher's personal stores of knowledge, beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes that affect his instructional decisions. (Author/JL)

Describes the practical realities of obtaining interview data for evaluation of language teaching in a complex situation in Albania. (Author/VWL)

This study sought to investigate the role that language and educators play in supporting positive identity development in mixed-heritage children, beginning as early as kindergarten. The multidimensional relationship between powerful social hierarchies and individuals also was studied. Focus group interviews were used as the primary investigative…

Examines journal editors' opinions concerning nonnative speakers of English as contributors, with the intention of illuminating a critical means of participation in the discipline for nonnative speakers. Results of an interview study with the editors of 12 leading journals in applied linguistics and English language teaching are discussed.…

This article addresses the challenges of conducting interviews in a multicultural/multilingual setting, focusing on an ethnographic case study of bilingual life and language choice in a Canadian factory mostly staffed with Portuguese immigrant workers. (nine references) (MDM)

Examines the discourse of the social services intake interview, which is part of the process of obtaining financial benefits in the United States. The genre of the interview is described with particular focus on the performance of two native speakers and one nonnative speaker of English. Argues that instruction in how to participate in this genre…

Reports a comparison of two MA-TESOL programs and suggests some implications of the findings for the TESOL profession. Based on interviews, observations, and written documentation, characteristics of two of the programs are identified that are associated with the larger departments in which the programs are housed. (Author/VWL)

Reports a study which examined the ability of adult immigrants to communicate as they were completing a 30-week, 900-hour second language program and then again six months later. Two cohorts of learners were interviewed: one comprised of immigrants from Southeast Asia and the other of Poles and Latin Americans. (Author/SED)

Examines how and why language policy decisions were made in Indiana from 1976 to 1995 and what the effect of those decisions was on the delivery of educational services to language minority students attending public schools. The article draws on legal documents and interviews with legislators and advocates to show the process and outcome of the…

Argues that acquisition of English-as-a-Second-Language research must take into account social context and power relations in order to explain language learning processes. Uses interview data and writing samples to demonstrate how a student in South Africa is influenced in his written discourse in English by his power relations and experience as a…

This study describes the negotiations that occur during English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students peer reviews and the ways these negotiations shape students revision activities. Findings of the study support the need to include peer reviews in second-language writing instruction and underscore their value in providing feedback on students'…

Addresses the question of how the education system responds to the needs of immigrant students on arrival in Vancouver, Canada, focusing on reception classes. The Oakridge Reception and Orientation Centre (OROC) was created to serve various functions for such students, including ascertaining their literacy backgrounds and assigning them to…