An analysis of literature on second language learning identifies four approaches in the literature, each of which can make a unique contribution to the understanding of the second language learning process, particularly as it pertains to limited-English-proficient students. The four approaches are explained and illustrated with examples from the…

Because of the emphasis placed on language and the language process by both foreign language and special education, one must examine both the theoretical and the methodological similarities between the two areas. Even though differences between the students should be noted, what really needs to be examined is the learning process itself. This…

The question of why some second language learners are more successful than others is examined from two different approaches. One looks at the social distance between the speakers of the target language and the learner's native language and, on one hand, the resulting learner and target-language-speaker attitudes and, on the other hand, the type…

A study investigated common discourse features in the Spanish of six novice-level Spanish second language learners, as evidenced in oral interviews by two interviewers. Features examined included use of cohesive devices, use of the first language, whispering to self, scaffolding with the interviewer to express themselves, and negotiation. Results…

Intended to aid in the design of computer systems that promote efficient learning and performance, this study compared the effects of using hard copy and online format tutorials on the learning activities of 48 undergraduate students in either design or engineering. The tutorials, which provided instruction on the use of the equipment and basic…

Theoretical framework, instrument development, and psychometric qualities are reviewed for some measures of learning style currently in use with adults. Instruments reviewed include: (1) Kolb's Learning Style Inventory I; (2) Kolb's Learning Style Inventory II; (3) the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; (4) the Productivity Environmental Preferences…

This study attempts to assess the developmental psycholinguistics hypothesis that language acquisition strategies are universal. Four types of statements were focused upon: (1) true affirmative statements (e.g., "You are a child"), (2) false affirmative statements ("You are a baby"), (3) false negative statements ("You aren't a child"), and (4)…

COMBINED VISUAL-AUDITORY METHODS FOR TEACHING WERE TESTED, USING AURALLY HANDICAPPED AND NORMAL CHILDREN AS SUBJECTS, TO DEVELOP COMPARATIVE STATISTICS OF LEARNING ABILITY AND AUDITORY TRAINING BENEFITS OVER CONVENTIONAL UNISENSORY TEACHING TECHNIQUES. THE STUDY SAMPLE CONSISTED OF 2,500 CHILDREN. IN THE EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE, THE CHILDREN WERE…

THE QUESTION OF PRIMARY CONCERN IN FOUR STUDIES WAS IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK IN ADJUNCT AUTOINSTRUCTIONAL EXERCISES (LEARNING EXERCISES DEFINED AS THOSE DESIGNED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STRUCTURE INHERENT IN SUBJECT MATTER). IN A CONTROLLED SITUATION, DIFFERENT FEEDBACK DELAYS (IMMEDIATE, 1-HOUR DELAY, 2-DAY DELAY, AND 1-WEEK DELAY) WERE TESTED. OTHER…

The purpose of the study was to experimentally test the theory that programed instruction can satisfactorily teach psychomotor tasks which primarily require the learning of cognitive knowledge in order to properly utilize motor skills already possessed. A programed unit on regrinding drills was selected, and a dexterity test and self-instructional…

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the sounds in American English and Brazilian Portuguese in order to focus on the problems that Brazilian students may encounter when learning to speak English. The comparative analysis of the consonants, vowels, and diphthongs describes how a given sound is pronounced in both languages. Particular…

This document is a report on English acquisition by a 2-year old Gujarati-speaking child. Overall language development is dealt with only partially. Two aspects of this development are concentrated on. These are (1) phonological accomodation of English and Gujarati in a changing and increasing system, and (2) concentration of English lexemes in…

Discusses a study of six senior English majors at the University of Houston, three of whom intended to be teachers and three who did not. Concludes that English teachers' prior experience as students has a crucial impact on the way they view teaching. (JC)

Discussion of the use of computerized databases in classroom instruction focuses on problem solving skills, student attitudes toward computers, and learning processes. A study of eighth graders is described that tested hypotheses involving the comparative analysis of data, and its implications for curriculum development and instructional methods…

The interaction needs and performance of distance learners in synchronous and asynchronous classes were compared in a study of 313 students enrolled in 16 distance education courses at Iowa State University in 1995 and 1996. The courses were offered through traditional face-to-face classroom instruction, over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN),…