Reports on a study that compared, in two experiments, the learning rates of subjects learning semantically related and semantically unrelated new second-language words. The findings strongly suggest that students have more difficulty learning new words presented to them in semantic clusters than they do learning semantically unrelated words. (18…

Explores developments in the philosophy and epistemology of language testing with particular reference to the notion of "responsibility." Argues that as the millennium changes, language testing is at a point of change, as well. (Author/VWL)

Examines a group of English-as-a-Second-Language learners' listening strategies and the tactics that operationalized these strategies. Also conducted an exploratory analysis of two ways these tactics interacted in the processing sequences of two learners. Data were collected and analyzed using a retrospective verbalization procedure based on the…

Examines Heinrich Schliemann's method of acquiring a second language primarily by means of conscious learning. It is revealed that Schliemann probably obtained a great deal of comprehensible input in English. (nine references) (GLR)

Investigates the relationship between second language learners' (L2) vocabulary size and their affix knowledge and attempts to find out the order of affix acquisition. Results show that L2 learners affix knowledge correlated with their vocabulary size and that affixes could be ranked in terms of accuracy order. (Author/VWL)

Presents study constructed to consider what kind of errors of misperception of English pronunciation by Japanese are revealed in dictation. Results show errors of segmental sounds are caused by interference from Japanese. Believes dictation provides means of exact, immediate, and simple key feedback to learner. (Author/BK)

Examines communication strategy use among adult learners of English in a computer-mediated environment. Specifically explored communication strategies employed during problem-free discourse as well as compensatory strategy use during task-based computer-mediated communication. Strategy use was also examined relative to communicative task type.…

Describes reasons for the difficulty nonnative speakers of English have in acquiring the English article system and reviews five pedagogical methods for teaching it. Discusses results of a pilot study in which three groups of nonnative English speakers were taught the English article system using either information structure as a framework, by a…

Describes a study that aimed at gaining insight into how learners of English may best make use of television programs with uni-lingual subtitles intended for the deaf and hard of hearing. (33 references) (Author/VWL)

Reports research using oral examiner verbal reports that attempts to gain insights into the rating process in the Cambridge First Certificate in English Speaking Test. Raters' verbal reports of the decision-making process were analyzed and heeded aspects of the test performances were identified, with a view to better understanding how test scores…

Addresses the problem of poor listening skills in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners. A strategy to rectify the problem is suggested, and a set of procedures for a remedial course is outlined. (Author/CB)

When preintermediate English-as-a-foreign-language students did a controlled dictation test and then amended their protocols during an unexpected second exposure to the passage, an analysis of the scores showed a modest improvement in performance, counterbalanced by a marked drop in dispersal and a loss of validity. (Author/CB)

Reports on an investigation into the relationship between cooperative learning, perceptions of classroom support, feelings of alienation from school, and the academic achievement of university bound learners of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL). Participants completed a modified version of the Classroom Life Measure, and their responses were…

Investigates the positive and negative potential for English-as-a-Second-Language student writers of word processing that are derivable from the properties of the medium. (40 references) (GLR)

Argues for the implementation of a transcultural approach to additional language learning to allow students and teachers to interdependently broaden their sociocultural identities within the context of critical language awareness and study with the goal of individuation. (Author/VWL)