Discusses various class activities conducive to second-language learning. These include working on a legal document, group singing, a presentation on environmental pollution resulting from plastic bags, and listening to a tape on an organization and then posing and answering questions regarding dealings with that group. (CK)

Examines the effects of simplified input in early second language (L2) acquisition of English by experimentally manipulating language input to two groups of learners and then assessing their acquisition longitudinally within a controlled laboratory setting. Findings reveal that the dual task of acquiring vocabulary and grammar does not hinder…

Describes an attempt at an English grammar program for the first year of secondary schooling in Queensland, Australia linked to the grammatical features introduced in the students' second language programs. Outlines the stages of development, including examination of the second language texts and of English course books and deciding on a…

A study investigated differences in sentence interpretation, with case marking and lexical-semantic cues systematically manipulated, of 20 native English-speaking learners of Japanese (JFLs) (10 beginners, 10 intermediate) and 10 native Japanese-speaking learners of English. Results show: greater animacy effect with the verb "see" than "eat";…

Argues that successful dual enrollment foreign language programs can be established with cooperation and ongoing communications among administrators and instructors at all levels. Emphasizes that most cooperate to overcome differences in educational philosophy, curricula and program goals. (six references) (Author/CK)

Attempts to stimulate debate on bilingual teaching within the context of secondary education in Great Britain. Questions whether the British educational establishment can provide teachers who are capable of carrying out bilingual teaching. (32 references) (CK)

Discusses the validity of a rating scale created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for the purpose of measuring the oral language proficiency of bilingual professionals who are speakers of English and Spanish. Notes that this scale measures various levels of competence and features of an individual's speech. (14…

Examines attempts of the foreign language teaching profession to implement reforms, focusing on the "Standards for Foreign Language Learning" (1996). (48 references) (Author/CK)

Draws on existing research to clarify several diversity and equity issues relevant to language minority elementary students. Explores the relationships between language development and the cognitive skills necessary for school success, school-home communication, and instructional approaches that support language learning. (GR)

Quantitative analysis of 1,083 first language and second language academic texts establishes that advanced nonnative-English-speaking students in U.S. universities employ excessively simple syntactic and lexical constructions at median frequency rates significantly higher than those found in basic texts by native English speakers. (Author/VWL)

Describes a University of Ottawa program involving a French-language stream to train future physicians for the francophone minority population of Ontario. Francophone students conduct interviews in French in a communication skills laboratory while being observed by clinicians trained in observation and feedback techniques. Simulated patients play…

Highlights a diary study implemented with English language teaching (ELT) students during their practicum. Aimed to obtain feedback on the preservice ELT courses and the practicum by understanding students' attitudes toward various aspects of teaching. Also aimed to give students an opportunity for self exploration and reflection on professional…

Investigated distance students' participation in an online discussion group established for an applied linguistic course titled Computer Assisted language Learning. Discusses patterns of student-student interaction and students' attitudes toward online discussions as a way of earning CALL as well as toward computer mediated communication as a…

Discusses the paradox involved in constructing a language policy: language is invoked as a reified object associated with essentialist constructs of identity to stand for much more complex and changing patterns of language use. Considers this paradox from the perspective of a campaign led by Sikh parents to have Punjabi introduced into curriculum…

Reports on a community-based teacher education project in which preservice English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers developed language curricula for a Latino community in the United States. Shows how many of the issues that characterize language in development work in poor countries also affect ESL instruction in the United States and other…