This article reports on an intervention study conducted to improve young Thai learners' motivation and attitudes towards take-home tests. The traditional use of summative tests in education has often led to increased pressure and demotivation among students. Based on formative assessment practices and motivational strategies, the study aimed to…

Educational institutions are placing increased value on language tandems owing to the language development opportunities they offer for learners of modern languages. Where these learners lack autonomous language learning strategies, however, the results can be disappointing, with limited linguistic development taking place. This paper reports on…

Although English-medium instruction (EMI) is now widely spread throughout the world, there is surprisingly little research into the challenges students face as they try to learn subject matter by means of a non-native language, or how learners attempt to address these challenges. The study reported in this article employed a qualitative approach,…

This article describes a study into the functions of code-switching in EFL classes at a Colombian language school. It was undertaken to decide whether the official "English-only" policy in place in this and other classrooms is pedagogically justified. The results suggest that code-switching may not necessarily be connected to ability…

Looks at how vocabulary notebooks have been introduced into a secondary school language program in Thailand as a means of increasing learners' lexical competence and assisting them in the development of autonomous modes of learning. Possible outcomes are considered in terms of the development of study skills and cognitive strategies necessary for…

Utilizes the metaphor of the marketplace to conceptualize appropriate pedagogy as serving both the global and local needs of learners of English. The article describes a marketplace as a place of business and a locale of culturally-specific forms of discourse. Finally, the article argues that appropriate pedagogy should be appropriate both…

Eastern education may be perceived by Western-oriented educators as something quite different from the latters' "advanced" and "developed" way of educating. Cultural difference in pedagogical practice may be experienced by Western English language educators not as difference but as deficit. Eastern teachers of EFL are sometimes…

Analyzes English-as-a-Second-Language students' code-switching in a Turkish school. The article shows that no empirical evidence exists supporting the notion that restricting mother tongue use would improve learning efficiency and that most classroom code-switching is intentional. (seven references) (Author/CK)

Analyzed the diaries of Chinese students of English as a Second Language to ascertain their beliefs and knowledge about their listening to English. Findings indicate that many retained clear ideas about their own role and performance as second-language listeners, the demands and procedures of this listening, as well as listening strategies. (13…

Examines an in-service training session developed for use in the state sector in Thailand that aims to help teachers come to terms with some of the problems inherent in large classes. The article is based on the author's previous experience in Thailand and his continuing involvement there in teacher development. (11 references) (Author/CK)

Presents a rationale for adopting a client-centered approach for foreign language teacher development programs. An inservice English-as-a-second-language teacher education workshop in Adelaide (Australia) helped participants to select and grade learning tasks. Participants then incorporated the "good" learning tasks into their own…

Discusses findings on the lexical competence of students who are not native-speakers of English but who have been through an education system in which that language is the medium of instruction. The data indicate the existence of a problem related to use rather than to inadequate knowledge of word-meaning. Traditional criteria for item selection…

The process of autonomization in ESL(English as a second language) classes of the Canadian government sensitizes students to English and to their performance in English. Students then establish priorities for their own skill development and determine how to reach their goals. A case study of one student in the Advanced Language Training Program is…