Provides a rationale for approaching mathematics as a second language. Gives teaching suggestions: begin in early childhood, stress similarities between math and language, use spoken math before written, use authentic assessment, and focus on real-life math use. (SK)

Among the challenges many teachers face in facilitating the improvement of speaking skills are sparing sufficient time for practice to enable students to achieve fluency in speaking through internalizing the structures, and establishing a balance between fluency and accuracy. This study aimed to seek an answer to the question as to whether…

This longitudinal mixed-methods study compared the oral fluency of well-educated adult immigrants from Mandarin and Slavic language backgrounds (16 per group) enrolled in introductory English as a second language (ESL) classes. Speech samples were collected over a 2-year period, together with estimates of weekly English use. We also conducted…

The principal objective of this study was to investigate the long-term (35-36 years) effects of a K-3 bilingual-multicultural programme by studying the former Mexican-American participants and controls as adults in their 30s and 40s. The controls were enrolled in an English immersion programme and were matched to the experimental programme…

Early and intermediate second language (L2) learners often encounter difficulties when engaging in introductory social conversations, typically having had little opportunity to practise such interactions. This article describes a project to design and prototype a computer dialogue system, Let's Chat, which would allow learners to rehearse social…

Adults who immigrate to the United States recognize the value of fluency in the dominant language as a bridge to social mobility in their new homeland. In California, many of them invest time and energy in noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL) programs offered within the community college system to gain communicative competence and enhance…

It is a widely accepted belief that the best way to master a new language is to live in the country where the language is spoken. For young people, one of the most popular ways of immersing themselves in the host environment is to become an "au pair:" move in with a family and look after their children to get first-hand experience of the…

Discusses how current applied and sociolinguistic research and theory, which reveals the naturalness of language variation and productive aspects of error-making, seriously challenges traditional second language learning practices and postulates. (EKN)

Expands the notion of the conceptual flowing theory developed in a previous study. Conceptual fluency theory suggests that learners have access to the conceptual structures inherent in the target language and culture in a systematic, sequential, and integrated fashion with other areas of language learning. (Author/VWL)

This paper focuses on the effectiveness of direct instruction in improving non-native student achievement in English learning. The study involved two groups in two English classes. Groups were selected from two different elementary public schools in the State of Kuwait. Study parameters were derived from a review of the literature and scientific…

Examines why only a limited number of adults who enroll in Welsh courses in Wales obtain fluency or become integrated in a Welsh-speaking community. Argues that many of the barriers these learners face come from outside the classroom and that the implementation of more innovative approaches could decrease the dropout rate. (Author/VWL)

An examination of different types of hesitation in the speech of learners of French as a foreign language reveals several times as much hesitation as native speakers experience, with slowed speech apparent in the speech of foreign language learners. (MSE)

Uses U.S. Census data to examine immigrants' and natives' English language skills. Lack of fluency is rare among native-born Americans. Most immigrants speak English well. Since the 1950s, fluency among new immigrants has declined each year. Additional years of U.S. residency and additional years of schooling tend to increase fluency. Women are…

Discusses the teaching of conceptual fluency via basic vocabulary development in the Italian as a second language classroom. Lists a series of strategies to assist the teacher and students in teaching and learning vocabulary. (Author/VWL)