Second language (L2) computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is a technologically advanced method of assessment in which the computer selects and presents test items to examinees according to the estimated level of the examinee's language ability. The basic notion of an adaptive test is to mimic automatically what a wise examiner would normally do.…

The interaction patterns of eleven Spanish-speaking preschool children in two bilingual programs were observed for one year. In predominantly English-speaking classrooms, greater English proficiency was related to English use with peers. In prevalently Spanish-speaking classes, English proficiency was more related to interaction in English with…

An evaluation of a Des Moines program, in which the relationship of student background and program achievement was examined, is summarized. It was found that more instruction in English was beneficial in the first year of schooling, but had diminishing effects during the second and third years. Implications for similar programs are discussed. (MSE)

Presents a rationale and suggestions for ensuring contact between the second language learner and representatives of the target culture, in the home country as well as overseas. (AM)

Suggestions are offered for improving the conditions under which English is taught in secondary schools in France. Scheduling, class size, in-service training needs, and teaching methods are treated. The importance of test-oriented instruction in determining students' language proficiency is discussed. (JB)

Discusses requirements for the new People's University Certificate in English and finds improvement in the more precise statement of learning goals and system of course offerings and in the treatment of such items as "language appropriateness,""spontaneous language skills" and area studies. (IFS/WGA)

Documents the strong connection existing between language and industry, in terms of both language and cultural proficiency. Outlines the corollaries of this connection for language learning and applied linguistics and traces the developments in perceptions of the importance of language education. (37 references) (Author/CK)

Argues that learner attitudes and motivation are equally important for the improvement of students' proficiency in a second language. Used pre- and post-test results in the Use of English course at a university in Nigeria. (Author/VWL)

Presents findings of an intervention designed to examine the effects of affective strategy instruction on measures of second language (L2) proficiency and self-efficacy. One group of adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners received affective strategy training; a second served as a comparison group. Data from self-report questionnaires and…

Examines lexical interference from the perspective of language proficiency in a study of Iranian English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners. Subjects were given two tests--a proficiency test and a test on similar lexical forms--to investigate whether there is any relationship between the two variables in question. Results indicate that there is a…

Presents a case study that used mystery stories to help English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students develop their linguistic competence and reading skills. Instruction focuses on the symbolism used in both stories and the characterization of the major protagonists with the view to encourage discussion among students. Results suggest that literary…

Research suggests electronic mail can be a powerful motivator for authentic second language (L2) interaction, but little is known about the efficacy of this medium in the development of target language proficiency. This study examines Email exchanges between university learners of Japanese as a foreign language and native Japanese university…

Describes the results of a national survey that was conducted to determine the current state of Spanish-language testing for placement and outcome assessments. The survey was undertaken in the United States in the departments of Spanish in B.A.-granting institutions. (Author/VWL)

Examination of the lexical compensatory strategies Dutch students of English used in a picture-naming task, a story retell task, and an oral interview showed that proficiency level was inversely related to the number of compensatory strategies the subjects used. The type of strategy was not related to proficiency level. (33 references) (Author/CB)

Briefly describes a four-semester Spanish language program focused on developing listening skills, and explains, in detail, the design of the final listening examination. The listening comprehension levels developed by 196 students in this program are evaluated. A sample student test and sample of level and complexity of language heard are…