The articles in this volume are based on a survey of language learners carried out at five Swiss universities. The surveys (done through interviews and questionnaires) concern the ways that students encounter their second language (French) outside the classroom, and which of those practices are the most effective in improving their French. The…

This study investigated whether a self-efficacy course would raise English-as-a-Second-Language learners' English ability by raising their self-efficacy. It also examined the reliability and validity of a self-efficacy questionnaire and English test. Participants were 293 Japanese college freshmen. Researchers developed two versions of an English…

A study investigated: (1) the distribution of learning styles of students of Japanese as a second language, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, (2) students' preferences for error correction in speaking and writing, as measured by a researcher-developed questionnaire, and (3) relationships between students' learning styles and their…

Ascertains the influence of the development of receptive phonetic skills on the level of listening comprehension of adults learning French as a second language in a formal setting. Test results indicate substantial gains in phonetics by the experimental group and a significant difference between the performance of experimental and control groups.…

Describes the origin and reason for a survey conducted by questionnaire of pedagogical software use in Italian as a foreign language; analyzes each of the aspects surveyed; and ends with an overview of the current situation, including suggestions for the future. Describes projects respondents have developed or are developing. Findings reveal that…

Looks at new information technologies and highlights how Japanese students use of the World Wide Web often lacks an appreciation of the quality differences that exist between traditional and net-sourced research. Argues academic writing courses need to address this issue and calls for "a more critical mindset" among those using the Web…

In a study of student response to feedback, data were collected by two questionnaires reflecting the actual feedback and wider attitudes. Results suggest that feedback procedures and their rationale must be made more explicit, and that techniques for producing permanent change must be explored. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/LB)

Discusses a questionnaire designed to measure parents' perceptions of their child's developmental and academic histories, classroom learning characteristics, and previous foreign language learning. Results suggest parents' perceptions may provide helpful screening information to foreign language teachers. (51 references) (Author/CK)

This article reports the results of a pilot study of the characteristics and motivation for studying of a group of 20 part-time students who enrolled in a new "Diploma in German Studies and Business and Commercial German." Students were given a questionnaire relating to background, motivation, and attitudes regarding difficulties in the…

A study of 170 first-year and 41 third-year Chinese university science majors suggests that first-year students had little familiarity with the Western notion of plagiarism, poor ability to recognize it, and less concern with the rights of the original writer. Third-year students had greater concern for the issue of honesty. The questionnaire is…

The application of language processing skills between 2 languages with dissimilar morphosyntactic features was investigated with 72 American university students learning Japanese. Results suggest that learners' first- and second-language knowledge both play a significant role and that the linguistic knowledge and coding capability for text…

Language teachers often do not focus on developing strategic competence among their second-language learners, though research demonstrates that language-learning strategies vary in their usefulness and applicability dependent on many variables. Teachers must develop strategic competence to enhance learners' linguistic and communicative competence.…

To garner student perceptions, a questionnaire listing questions for math, science, and foreign language was sent to the 1997, 1996, and 1995 graduates of two Pennsylvania high schools that had implemented the 4X4 semester-block-scheduling model. Overall, students felt their block-scheduled high school prepared them adequately for college. (MLH)

Clarifies the nature of second-language (L2) self-instruction involving the use of self-instructional broadcast materials, with particular reference to Japan, where such materials are widely used. Analysis of responses to an open-ended questionnaire administered to 138 university students reveals benefits and problems associated with this mode of…

Reports on a preliminary stage of a project funded by the Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland to gain insights into physician-patient communication regarding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and apply findings to their teaching programs. Particular focus is on aspects of communication relating to primary prevention of HIV and…