Investigates whether intermediate-grade readers' vocabulary learning and comprehension is affected by displaying texts on a computer screen that provides the meaning of difficult words. Concludes that the results support and help explain previous studies that found increases in comprehension when computer-mediated texts were used to expand or…

A word frequency study of two graded readers and an unsimplified text indicated that graded readers facilitated better foreign-language reading and vocabulary learning than did unsimplified texts. It was found that students needed to read several same-level texts to master vocabulary, and that vocabulary mastery was not necessary for successful…

Results on a multiple choice vocabulary test and a final essay writing activity suggest that teaching vocabulary as a writing prompt was more successful than more traditional forms. (RAE)

A variety of French language classroom activities are described, including a game to familiarize immersion students with Canada; exercises using songs; a teacher-student competitive vocabulary game; communicative activities; three games to practice verb conjugations, previously learned structures, and vocabulary; and a whole-language activity…

Examines the effect of marginal glosses on improving the comprehension of an intermediate-level college foreign language literary text. Students who received a vocabulary list and guide before or during reading recalled significantly more of the passage than those not receiving such help. (CB)

Describes the method used by Gateway Community College (Arizona) to teach study skills within the context of content area courses. Staff from the Learning Assistance Center present techniques for study-reading, memorizing, vocabulary development, time management, and test taking. (DMM)

Examines the extent to which reading research supports the comprehension and vocabulary strategies recommended in content reading methods texts. Concludes that more of the research finds the strategies to be effective than finds them ineffective. (MM)

Suggests ways to adapt basal reading instruction to content area reading instruction. Includes adaptations of three common basal procedures: (1) setting the purpose; (2) developing a vocabulary; and (3) discussing the selection. (JAD)

The development of a new parent report instrument, Inventario del Desarollo de Habilidades Communicativas, is reported and 5 studies carried out with the instrument for 328 children aged 8 months to 2 years/7 months are presented. Among the findings are similar trajectories of development for Spanish- and English-speaking children and for children…

Presents an activity to develop an understanding of the importance of definitions in mathematics in which the teacher uses counterexamples to produce modifications in proposed definitions for the concept of quadrilateral. Suggested follow-up activities include telephone description, dictionary mathematics, and definition displays. (MDH)

Second-language (L2) researchers suggest that C-tests, developed as norm-referenced measures for proficiency and placement testing, can be used in L2 vocabulary research. This article illustrates how researchers can use measurement theory for L2 research by weighing validity justifications. A theoretical definition of vocabulary ability is…

Major issues concerning vocabulary learning and instruction are discussed, and different ways that vocabulary is taught in the classroom are reviewed. It is argued that helping students develop strategies and knowledge to use internal and external contexts to infer meanings is a major step toward helping them become independent learners. (Contains…

The objective of this activity is to help beginning students learn numbers and practice vocabulary and verbs in an interesting and meaningful way. In addition, the game is used to improve their listening comprehension and speaking ability. (Author/CK)

Describes a seven-day vocabulary building unit for language deficient high school students that revolved around ice cream, fat content of foods, and heart disease. (RS)

Discusses the relevant educational implications of action psychology. Two topics discussed include the relationship between activity and memory and the conditions for the personal integration of knowledge--the cognitive and affective aspects of vocabulary acquisition as they are relevant to foreign language vocabulary acquisition. (60 references)…