Vocabulary is an indispensable part of language and it is of vital importance for second language learners. Wilkins (1972) points out: "without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed." Vocabulary teaching has experienced several stages characterized by grammatical-translation method, audio-lingual…

Background: Positive behaviour support (PBS) emphasises multi-component interventions by natural intervention agents to help people overcome challenging behaviours. This paper investigates which components are most effective and which factors might mediate effectiveness. Method: Sixty-one staff working with individuals with intellectual disability…

Although previous research has linked students' expected grades to numerous pedagogical variables, this factor has been all but ignored by instructional communication scholars. In the present study, 315 undergraduates were presented with grading scenarios representing differing combinations of course rigor, teacher immediacy, and student…

Practical applications for both normal and handicapped children are given to support the thesis that exposure to high sound content" language like nursery rhymes is a motivating factor in language development. (Author/MB)

In an investigation of the effect of instruction in five components of the writing process on the syntactic complexity and the writing quality of high school students, 48 students received instruction in the following areas: discovering a subject, creating a design, developing a sense of audience, learning to use specifics, and learning to…

This study sought to clarify the relationships between modes of presentation (verbal vs spatial), explicitness of presentation (little or much), and student aptitudes (verbal vs spatial). Findings are discussed and several areas for future aptitude-treatment-interaction research are suggested. (Author/JEG)

Describes an approach to the teaching of English vocabulary which draws on several aspects of theoretical semantics; There are four sections: (1) an outline of the learner's goals and problems in acquiring vocabulary, (2) a brief description of the semantic theory involved, (3) examples of teaching material and exercises, and (4) reactions to the…

A study compared the instructional strategies of semantic mapping and semantic feature analysis with a traditional contextual approach for vocabulary acquisition. Subjects, 36 fourth, fifth, and six grade classes, were taught a set of 15 target words in each of the three instructional conditions for each of 3 weeks. Classes were assessed at the…

A review of the problems encountered in studying literary texts focuses on the dangers of treating the text as a source of linguistic data rather than as a complete work in itself. Comments pertaining to the relationship of language and literature include discussion of teaching methods, literary criticism, background information, and literary…

Techniques of semantic feature analysis are applied to exploration and reinforcement of vocabulary. Students are presented with categories of familiar items and asked to describe their characteristics. The method can be used to elicit sentences, reinforce existing vocabulary, and begin discussion. Sample exercises for several difficulty levels are…

Many analyses are presented which attempt to examine the teaching of young children by teachers and parents. Teaching is comprehensively defined as behavior which influences someone's learning or development. The analysis of teaching is considered in light of the factor of efficiency of communication. Analyses are arranged on an operationality…

Describes a method of teaching fieldwork in cultural anthropology classes by having students do an ethnosemantic exercise on a card game of their choice. Through this experience, students learn how to do simple forms of fieldwork, the emic perspective, and componential analysis. (Author)

Argues that a special approach is needed to teach Standard American English to West Indians and that they not be placed in classes with native or limited-English speakers. Identifies the linguistic features of West Indian Creole. Reviews research conducted in Great Britain on West Indian immigrants' special problems and needs. (PAA)

Because it presents a fresh perspective on spelling, linguistics can improve the spelling ability of high school students. Linguistic study involves students in learning how speech is conveyed in writing, how key linguistic generalizations can be applied to spelling, and how historical precedent and phonology affect the spelling of many common…

This paper comments on EC 603 157, which discusses cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction on mathematical problem solving of middle school students with learning disabilities. The commentary analyzes the separability of cognition and metacognition and raises questions about the identifiable components that contribute to the effectiveness…