Summarizes some preliminary findings from research into the nature and effect of various discourse modifications by a native speaker to a language learner. These modifications include (1) idiom avoidance; (2) comprehension checks and pauses; and (3) selection of information. An informal experiment gauging foreign students' impression of…

This framework articulates the knowledge and skills adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners need in order to communicate effectively and confidently in English so that they can meet their needs, advocate for themselves, their families and their communities, and participate more fully in U.S. society. The content outlined in…

This collection of conference papers focuses on new directions in second language learning: (1) "A Systematic Approach to Second Language Vocabulary Instruction" (Heide R. Lomangino); (2) "Listening Training for Language Learners: The Tomatis Approach to Second Language Acquisition" (Elizabeth G. Joiner); (3) "Thinking…

This packet consists of 10 learning activities related to the communications area of language arts career skills. Each activity is self-contained and provides all necessary material or information. The activities include a communication skills table; career acrostics; a questionnaire for use in an informal interview with an employed person; a…

This book and its accompanying video highlights three interpersonal approaches to instructional improvement, observation skills, and the complete reflective clinical supervision process. Based on the principles of reflective practice, the kit is a professional development tool for educational leaders and staff members. Chapter 1, "Cycles of…

Written for professional people returning to study, this book provides practical guidance and strategies to increase confidence, enhance skills, and develop critical awareness and creativity. Chapter 1 helps students identify reasons for return to study and their implications; examine their interpretations of what learning is; and think about…

This report examines needs for notetaking services by deaf or hard of hearing students at the postsecondary level and ways of providing these services. It discusses training, supervision, the responsibilities of those involved in provision of notetaking services, and policies and procedures for providing useful and efficient notetaking services.…

Procedures for five English-as-a-Second-Language dictation exercises designed to enhance students' ability to self-correct are described, and suggested texts are presented. The self-correcting dictations allow students to practice their listening, gain instant feedback, and have practical information in hard form quickly. They also reduce the…

Based on the 1998 Arkansas State Language Arts Framework, this sample curriculum model for kindergarten language arts is divided into sections focusing on writing; listening, speaking, and viewing; and reading. Each section lists standards; benchmarks; assessments; and strategies/activities. The reading section itself is divided into print…

This paper demonstrates how Taiwanese English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) college teachers and students collaborate and negotiate to design various learner-centered activities based on the Chinese film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." These activities are intended to enhance students' listening and speaking abilities. The paper…

The guide provides both general and specific behavioral objectives for French second language instruction in immersion contexts at each grade level in Alberta's elementary and secondary schools (K-12). An introductory section gives an overview of the curriculum's design and use of the guide, instructional and evaluation principles, and some major…

The report, entirely in French, describes Alberta's curriculum for seventh-year French native language instruction, as revised in 1998. An introductory section offers background information on the curriculum's design, links between the core curriculum and French native language instruction, underlying principles of language instruction, the…

A study investigated the effects of question type (multiple-choice, wh-questions, and cloze items) and question preview on assessment of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) listening comprehension. Subjects were 90 freshmen at a Chinese university, randomly assigned to two groups. One was administered a question preview before listening to a…

Various socio-environmental influences (social class, preschool education, and home environment) on the development of receptive language in preschool children were investigated. Only middle class children benefitted significantly from nursery school experience. (BW)

Investigates, within the context of the question-answer framework of a foreign language oral proficiency test, the interactive nature of spoken discourse between Canadian students and assessors when there is trouble in talk as perceived by the assessors, with a focus on how they accommodate to the students. The study has implications for rater…