Follows up on previous research attempting to identify the focus of attention in listening of children at different ages and from different language backgrounds. Findings indicated stronger influence of prosody for children regardless of age or native language. (Author/VWL)

Explores the requirements for a general theory of second language learning that accounts both for the fact that people can learn more than one language and for the generalizable individual differences that occur in such learning, and considers the formalization and testing of such a theoretical model. (Author/CB)

Examined the language learning strategies employed by 374 English-as-a-Second-Language students at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez using the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) instrument. Results found higher overall strategy use by women than by men and significant differences by proficiency level and gender in students'…

Reports a study of learning strategies with students of English as a second language (ESL). In Phase 1, students were interviewed to identify the range of learning strategies they were already using for specific activities. In Phase 2, students were trained to use learning strategies for vocabulary, listening, and speaking. (SED)

Two researchers respond to a previous "TESOL Quarterly" article that assessed the state of the art of research and classroom applications of learning strategies, and the author of the article responds to those comments. (71 references) (JL)

Examines the learning strategies successful language learners employ and suggests that teachers can help their less successful students by paying more attention to learner strategies already seen as productive. (PMP)

Ways that good or successful Japanese learners of English develop their language skills in spite of large class size are examined, based on a study of 28 graduate students at a Japanese university. Analysis of responses about exam preparation, teacher role, listening, etc., suggest a need for more research on language learning strategies in…

Seven noted researchers each describe a different orientation to research exemplified in their own studies and currently predominant in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The statements consider aspects of language behavior, frameworks for interpreting curricula or culture such as classroom interaction or ethnography, or…

Combines methods to probe the learning strategies of two unsuccessful learners as they completed four activities (an interview, a verb exercise, a cloze passage, and a composition). These unsuccessful learners, when viewed through a task demand model, emerged as active strategy users, though they sometimes applied strategies inappropriately. (38…

Describes an investigation into whether second language learners use knowledge of their first language to comprehend and produce idioms in the second language. Results showed identical idioms were the easiest to comprehend, similar idioms were comprehended almost as well, and different idioms were the most difficult to comprehend and produce.…

Describes the English vocabulary learning strategies of two successful language learners in the "input-poor" environment of the Chinese classroom, where the majority of language learning comes from intensive reading of English texts. Results show that, contrary to popular ideas about vocabulary learning in the West, Chinese learners…

Proposes the use of a five-component (motivation, knowledge, skills, outcomes, and context) relational model of communication competence (Spitzberg and Cupach, 1984) as a foundation for understanding and working with students experiencing anxiety in using a second language. Offers specific exercises for helping students manage their perceptions of…

Traces the formulation and norming of a questionnaire constructed for the self-reporting of English-as-a-Second-Language students on their preferred perceptual learning styles, focusing on the problem of reliability and validity in survey design. (CB)

Comparison of the English comprehension of 16 non-native speakers on task directions presented by a native English speaker indicated that comprehension was best assisted when the content of directions was repeated and rephrased in interaction. Reduction in linguistic complexity in the premodified input did not significantly affect comprehension.…

Reports a study which compares a deductive approach and an example approach in teaching the formation of participial phrases in an English as a second language class. Findings showed that field-independent subjects performed better with the deductive lesson and that field-dependent subjects performed better with the example approach. (SED)