While Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has received a considerable amount of research interest lately, its increasing popularity as an approach to teaching content subjects in a foreign language requires concerted investigation that reflects and recognises its fundamentally contextualised nature. In this contribution, we sketch…

This paper presents the results of a small-scale study of codeswitching (CS) between Chinese and English in primary English classrooms with a view to informing classroom interaction with young learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It analyzes CS of two teachers participating in the Primary English Curriculum Innovation (PECI) project in…

This digest discusses second language learning strategies--specific actions, behaviors, steps, or techniques students used to improve their progress in apprehending, internalizing, and using the second language. The first section discusses characteristics of good language learners. The second section highlights research findings that suggest…

Parallels between the reconstruction of self in Alcoholics Anonymous and the reconstruction of self in second language acquisition are drawn out and examined in three areas: ego deflation, identification at depth, and mutual assistance. These spiritual principles are shown to be theoretically and empirically supported in SLA literature and…

Two researchers respond to a previous "TESOL Quarterly" article that assessed the state of the art of research and classroom applications of learning strategies, and the author of the article responds to those comments. (71 references) (JL)

Some of the stresses and strains experienced by second-language acquisition researchers are described. Suggestions are offered for how they should respond, including reference to two particular research lines that could have an impact on both linguistic theory and pedagogical decisions for language classrooms. (26 references) (Author/LB)

Addresses three issues important to second language learner output: (1) negotiation of meaning; (2) learner production; (3) and repair work. Explains the theoretical background based on research findings, and suggests ways some of these findings may be applied to classroom situations. (Author/VWL)

This article discusses what constitutes a good vocabulary notebook by first deriving 11 principles from language memory and language research that can serve as a guide in the creation of a pedagogically sound notebook. A design for vocabulary notebooks is presented that emphasizes the incremental learning of vocabulary and different aspects of…

This paper focuses on the work that Louise Rosenblatt and her followers in the United States have done to improve the teaching and learning of literature at all educational levels. Although these researchers have focused almost exclusively on the use of literature in the native language, the paper uses transactional theory as a basis for teaching…

Findings from correlational studies of language learning behaviors and achievement on specific tasks are summarized and the implications are discussed. The interaction of learner strategies associated with classroom behavior and current teacher strategies is explored, and suggestions are presented for making this interaction effective. 40…

Notes the great demand for information on promising practices for teaching language-minority students. Introduces the succeeding articles in this issue, noting how all the authors argue for the need to pull together what is known about effective teaching, second-language acquisition, applied cognitive research, and cross-cultural communication…

Provides a survey of the second language literature on the role of formulaic language, focusing on communicative, production, and learning strategy functions of such language. The need to address the theoretical and methodological difficulties surrounding the definition and identification of formulaic language is discussed. (105 references) (MDM)

Examines certain instructional effects on second-language acquisition, such as code-focused instruction and classroom interaction. Empirical research on instructional effects are outlined in relation to some basic issues, including learning environment influences and processing constraints. (54 references) (GLR)

Views writing instruction as the techniques and approaches used by the teacher, as well as the learner's whole experience in the writing classroom. Drawing on research on writing in both first- and second-languages, an analysis focuses on the different aspects of writing instruction. (61 references) (Author/VWL)

Examines the nature and structure of idioms and idiomatic language and offers suggestions for teaching them. Topics addressed include the relationship between idioms and erroneous language, idioms' appropriateness in context, proverbs, and metaphors. Some exercises are included. (Author/MSE)