This paper describes the development of the Benesse Proficiency Test of English Communication, which was created for the Benesse Corporation of Japan. The Benesse test was developed in response to Japan's movement toward more communicative English language teaching and testing. It was intended to test language used in authentic communication. The…

This book provides many diverse ideas for creating a learning environment that is alive with discovery and discussion, but peaceful and respectful, too. The book offers activities and practices from classrooms all over the United States that focus on year-long practices that promote a sense of community: 20-minute class meetings, effective…

The report details development and validation of a test designed to assess the ability to comprehend and summarize, in English, recorded conversations spoken in Taiwanese. The language and topics of the exam are representative of conversations that federal law enforcement or intelligence agencies may need to monitor in this language. The report is…

This book gives teachers an understanding of speech training through specially selected exercises. The book's exercises aim to help develop clear speaking in the classroom. Methodically and perceptively used, the book will assist those concerned with the creative powers of speech as a teaching art. In Part 1, there are sections on the links…

In a recent survey of 200 college freshmen, 97% said they learn best by listening. Electronics and technology are excellent instructional supplements, but when they become the means of instruction, the instructors lose heart in relationship listening. Research indicates that "perceived caring" on the part of the students in regard to the…

Concerned basic communication course instructors are in a position to help students avoid personal tragedy by providing them with knowledge of communication theory, research, and skills. However, teachers' roles in helping students who are in the midst of crisis are less direct and should involve referring students to experts trained to advise…

Language should be viewed as one of the most important areas of early childhood development and learning. This document was produced to assist early childhood educators in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique with fostering early language learning. The guide should be viewed mainly as a supplement to be used in conjunction with national…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to comprehending and evaluating complex information in a variety of English…

Several studies have examined the effects of music instruction on children's abilities in other disciplines. Other studies have explored the effects of listening to music on adults' spatial abilities. Noting that these two sets of findings have been confused, leading to claims that listening to music can improve children's academic abilities, this…

Several studies have examined the effects of music instruction on children's abilities in other disciplines. Other studies have explored the effects of listening to music on adults' spatial abilities. Noting that these two sets of findings have been confused, leading to claims that listening to music can improve children's academic abilities, this…

Based on the 1998 Arkansas English Language Arts Frameworks, this framework lists benchmarks for grades five through eight in writing; reading; and listening, speaking, and viewing. The writing section's stated standards are to help students employ a wide range of strategies as they write; use different writing process elements appropriately to…

The content standards define what Louisiana students should know and be able to do in the English language arts in order to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in the 21st century. The content standards demonstrate an expanded definition of literacy--one that includes not only knowledge and application of subject matter, but also the…

This report describes a program for teaching students to use specific strategies to construct meaning from text. The targeted population consisted of elementary and middle school students in a growing urban community in northern Illinois. The lack of reading strategies was documented by data describing the reading behaviors and achievement of the…

Identifies the academic competencies and skills required for college success, as prepared by the College Board during phase one of Project EQuality. Lists competencies for reading, writing, speaking and listening, mathematics, reasoning, and studying. Considers successful study skills essential in acquiring all other competencies. (DMM)

Two groups of undergraduates differing in reading ability were tested on a number of reaction-time tasks designed to determine the speed of encoding visual information at several different levels, tests of sensory functions, verbal and quantitative reasoning ability, short-term auditory memory span, and ability to comprehend spoken text.…