It is estimated by the year 2030, over 40% of the K-12 population in U.S. schools will be children whose first language is not English (Shin & Ortman, 2011; U.S. Census Bureau, 2007;). This shift has negative academic consequences for emergent bilingual students (EBS). Schools (K-12) unable to meet the needs of EBS contribute to these…

A pilot course in mastery learning in a survey course in English literature at the Beirut University College is described. The course was designed to increase the retention of knowledge and skills of students of another culture, utilizing the lecture-discussion method and the mastery learning concepts. (Author/RM)

Describes the development of a flexible curriculum for Venezuelan students, designed to handle varying levels of proficiency in English as a second language and varying functional goals (including science and technology). (AM)

Describes a self-pacing procedure for helping students of diverse backgrounds handle the materials of a composition course in English as a second language. Sample instructional materials are appended. (JB)

A required reading course for first-year English majors at Hokusei Junior College (Japan) is described. The course is intended to teach students to survey a text, read through it, form an opinion about its content, and skim portions that are less important. At the same time, students are encouraged to guess at the meaning of unknown vocabulary,…

A framework is presented for syllabus design in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. A case is given for a discourse level focus in the ESL classroom, from beginning stages of learning through advanced levels. Following this, three rhetorical modes (critical analysis of fiction, truth-searching logical conversation, and classical…

Over a three-year period, from 1971 to 1973, a series of three experimental intensive language sessions was held in Malta for university professors and researchers who wanted to improve their knowledge of English as a second language. Each session consisted of from 20 to 30 participants and lasted 2 weeks. The general objectives of these courses…

An approach to teaching academic writing to foreign graduate students at the University of Florida is described. The course combines general and technical writing assignments to sharpen students' critical thinking skills while improving their organizational techniques and editing strategies. Assignments are designed to help students discover the…

A course in English for academic purposes designed for graduate students needing specialized continuing development of their language skills is described. The course focuses on improving intelligibility, fluency, and accuracy of speech skills required in various disciplines in academic and professional contexts, and provides individualized…

The seven papers in this collection describe projects in English for academic purposes. Analysis of the communication needs of learners is discussed in "English for Academic Purposes: Practice Material for the Listening Comprehension and Writing Needs of Overseas Students," by R.R. Jordon and Alan Matthews. The pedagogic advantages of…