In this article it is argued that the development of young people's skills in using spoken language should be given more time and attention in the school curriculum. The author discusses the importance of the effective use of spoken language in educational and work settings, considers what research has told us about the factors that make group…

The dynamic systems theory, a theory that goes beyond Piaget and Vygotsky, looks promising for curriculum development. In this theory it is explained how a curriculum that creates physical and psychological space for play and initiative learning (self-regulation) is being designed and how the teacher can support the enrichment of play and…

Language proficiency is a crucial factor for immigrants to integrate successfully in the new society in all aspects of life, especially in the labor market. As a result, there is great importance in acquiring the new language as quickly and effectively as possible. Several factors affect second language acquisition, including motivation, age,…

Recently, the Modern Language Association (MLA) called for a major reorganization of undergraduate academic programs and even the structure of foreign-language departments. Typically, the initial two years of language instruction are taught by non-tenure-track instructors with little or no voice in the department. Faculty members mainly teach the…

Discusses current research in child language to help teachers understand how young children acquire language skills. (DR)

Although the constraints of time and environment under which most language learning is done mean that a natural language situation can never be reproduced in school, many of the findings from first language acquisition studies apply to second language (L2) learning. This would mean therefore that instead of stressing speaking in a beginning L2…

This paper is a synthesis of the recent research about language and literacy learning, the universal cognitive strategies used in language processing, and the educational implications of these new insights on literacy learning. Four universal cognitive strategies used by experienced written language users--textual intent, negotiability, fine…

Author offers five principles to guide curriculum specialists in organizing their plans for sequencing language experiences in reading. (MB)

Recommends that curriculum and instruction be designed to engage students in using the tools of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Describes a curriculum framework that takes into account adolescents' language development and uses language to integrate various academic subjects. (PAM)

The Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia. Adopted in February 2007 by the Virginia Board of Education, these standards emphasize the importance of foreign language instruction in the Commonwealth and, therefore, are an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging…

The Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia. Adopted in February 2007 by the Virginia Board of Education, these standards emphasize the importance of foreign language instruction in the Commonwealth and, therefore, are an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging…

Designed for use both in the United States and abroad, this manual for teachers of English as a second language is concerned with "minimum essentials" and is written in lay language. In the first chapter, the author deals with the nature of language and language learning; some features of the English language; students, school and community; and…

This report of a seminar on information technology (IT) and language development begins by presenting background on language skills and information technology in order to define the scope of the topic. The report then pulls together and elaborates on the output of the seminar. The first section discusses media-centered issues, including the design…

During the summer of 1967, a 1-week training program was conducted at the University of Hawaii in which seven teachers and six aides were instructed in the use of the Bereiter-Egnelmann teaching strategy for language programs. The Bereiter-Engelmann approach involves concentration upon the development of language skills and facility with basic…

Examines understanding of the British National Curriculum for English at Key Stage 2. Surveys literature and teachers' experiences to determine what primary teachers understand by English subject knowledge, how they think it should be taught, and how they think pupils learn English most effectively. Considers definition of basic skills and the…