Explores direct techniques, such as semantic mapping and formal word analysis, as ways of supplementing the incidental learning of French vocabulary through reading by high school students in immersion and extended French classes. Findings indicate that these techniques can play a positive role in the second language classroom. (38 references)…

Outlines a teaching approach for oral English for special purposes that inputs chunks of natural language orally. These "chunks" can be segmented by the learner into fixed and variable units, while simultaneously making the learner aware of the paradigmatic, syntagmatic, and phonological aspects of the language being taught. This…

Introduces the field of intelligent computer assisted language learning (ICALL) and relates them to current practice in computer assisted language learning (CALL) and second language learning. Points out that ICALL applies expertise from artificial intelligence and the computer and cognitive sciences to the development of language learning…

Discusses how e-mail correspondence should be supported and integrated into the overall second language learning program. Reviews a telematics international e-mail exchange project, focusing on the documentation of integration of the project into the overall language program. Findings reveal that the strength of this work is in showing how its…

Discusses research on phonological instruction that indicates that improvement in pronunciation for adult foreign language learners is possible via a multimodal methodology designed to accommodate individual learning styles. An extension of this research examines experimental subjects' improvement in pronunciation accuracy and pinpoints areas…

Examines the reasons underlying ignoring of dictionaries as a language resource in the teaching of modern foreign languages (MFL). Notes the audio-visual and audio-lingual emphasis on learning strategies focused on minimizing error. Concludes that the ability to produce better language through dictionary use is worth the effort of referring to one…

An overview of the current status of Chinese language instruction in the United States focuses on trends in enrollment, interest in foreign language study, relevance of the less commonly taught languages, and instructional methods and materials. Solutions to long-standing problems in Chinese language study are included. (CB)

A study compared the effect of reading aloud to grade two French immersion students with that of participation in the normal language arts curriculum during a three-month period. Reading aloud was found to be a simple but effective adjunct to formal teaching methods for accelerating second language acquisition. (29 references) (Author/MSE)

Focuses on foreign language teaching in higher education in China. Topics include political difficulties resulting from the Cultural Revolution, the return of the first group of foreign teachers to China in 1977, and current foreign language programs. Although foreign language teaching in China is advancing, better teachers and equipment are…

Examines the assumptions and values of Chinese learners of English, focusing on the cultural, historical, philosophical, linguistic, social, and educational attitudes held by such learners that influence the way they learn English. The appropriateness and effectiveness of specific teaching methods with Chinese students is discussed. (21…

Discusses teaching methods and techniques for use in English for Special Purposes classrooms, focusing on conversation and speaking exercises for medical students and professionals that combine medical terminology and everyday usage. Examples include doctor-patient dialogues and group discussions of general interest topics. (15 references) (MDM)

Discusses a summer program conducted to retrain North Wales French teachers. It is suggested that French teaching in North Wales will be enriched by the enthusiasm of the teachers who took this course. (three references) (CK)

Discusses reading and writing activities in a foreign language. Implications of emergent literacy research for foreign-language instruction focus on when to initiate these activities, what sorts of literacy materials to use, what kinds of tasks to utilize and how to direct novice foreign-language learners. (46 references) (CK)

Focuses on the use of dialog journals to foster self-reflection in student teachers, to help the supervisor highlight their experiences, and to create a collaborative atmosphere so that both parties can construct meaning out of the experience of teaching adult second-language learners. Portraits of three novice teachers are presented. (12…

Maintains that the use of metacognitive learning strategies have been recurrent pedagogical tools for facilitating foreign language learning. Describes how new hypermedia and interactive video technology have broadened the scope of computer-assisted instruction. Calls for more research on this topic. (CFR)