This study of the notional-functional approach to second language teaching reviews the history and theoretical background of the method, current issues, and implementation of a notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 1 discusses the history and theory of the approach and the organization and advantages of the notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 2…

This paper presents the first comparative findings emerging from 20 individual case studies into the adoption, use, and effects of microcomputers in families. The 20 families are first described according to a number of key demographic characteristics--socioeconomic, nationality, parent occupations, number and ages of children, etc. An examination…

Several text format variables were examined in an attempt to identify the ways in which these variables interact in specific design combinations. The variables include: heading location (embedded or isolated); line length (short or long); space between lines (single or double); paragraph indication (indented or spaced); use of running heads…

This presentation focuses on theory, research, and practice in the application of simulations to preservice and inservice teacher education. The first of three major sections presents a brief historical review, featuring the pioneering work of Bert Kersh and his associates at the Teaching Research Division of the Oregon State System of Higher…

Adventure games designed for use on home computers are a potentially powerful instructional resource in English as a second language because they promote problem-solving using the target language and are highly motivating to students. The games, whose objective is usually for the user to defeat an obscure force and recover a precious object, are…

A program referred to as Language Skills Computer Assisted Instruction (LaSCAI) was chosen to assist volunteer tutors in improving the reading skills of adults. The program was demonstrated at two libraries--one rural and one urban--and an evaluation was completed to determine its applicability in enhancing the on-going tutoring programs at these…

Two training procedures were constructed to teach children with learning deficiencies to solve simple addition and subtraction word problems. Each training procedure was evaluated in a separate multiple baseline design across subjects. The experiments were designed to prepare for the development of computer assisted training programs. Two female…

Student use of microcomputer databases in social studies is discussed. Databases give students and teachers an opportunity to get involved in information storage, retrieval, and analysis. In the process, students develop skills of inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as well as many of the basic skills needed not only in social studies…

Poetry was used in a college English class to teach figurative language, connotation, denotation, and the need for close attention to vocabulary. However, students were often bored by traditional poetry. Using computer programs like "Compupoem,""Poetrywriter,""Lifesongs," and "Haikuku," students were introduced to computer poetry and created their…

While artificial intelligence is far from producing a computer program that can understand English, there are computer applications for teaching composition that go beyond the electronic flashcard and other limited applications. A number of programs designed for use in college freshman English as a second language classes based on the artificial…

The Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) conducted an assessment of microcomputer-related needs for basic mathematics in the four-state areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia in 1984-85. The primary input came from teachers from each of the states who participated in a needs conference in their home state. When each of the…

Using the experiences of Rockland Community College (RCC) as examples, this paper suggests a number of successful cognitive and affective strategies for the educationally disadvantaged in community colleges, focusing on those which are competency based, cost effective and retention sensitive. First, trends in developmental/remedial education are…

A guide to minimum standards for foreign language instruction in Ohio elementary and secondary schools is designed to asisst administrators, guidance counselors, foreign language teachers, and others involved in providing foreign language learning opportunities in the public schools. Part I examines the reasons for foreign language study and…

As a first step in developing a comprehensive professional development program and operational activities at Gateway Technical Institute (GTI) in Wisconsin, a faculty and staff computer training survey was conducted. A questionnaire was distributed to 411 faculty and staff members to establish a general interest level; gauge the current level of…

The materials described here represent the conversion of a highly popular student workbook "Sets, Probability and Statistics: The Mathematics of Life Insurance" into a computer program. The program is designed to familiarize students with the concepts of sets, probability, and statistics, and to provide practice using real life examples. It also…