The history of computer assisted language instruction is briefly reviewed, highlighting several major projects. Computer functions compatible with language instruction include information storage and retrieval capacities, ability to analyze input, and interactiveness. Language skills that can be developed by computer include grammar, vocabulary,…

Describes language laboratory program designed to help learners to move from comprehension of a spoken text through definite phases to their own utterance. Material used is an off-air recording from French radio. (Author/BK)

Techniques of semantic feature analysis are applied to exploration and reinforcement of vocabulary. Students are presented with categories of familiar items and asked to describe their characteristics. The method can be used to elicit sentences, reinforce existing vocabulary, and begin discussion. Sample exercises for several difficulty levels are…

Outlines a program of vocabulary development that contains cognitive, affective, and physical elements. Points to test results showing that the program has been effective with fourth grade students. (FL)

Describes a functional reading program in graphic arts classes at a Massachusetts middle school. Teachers associate their text material with specific content-related reading skills in comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, using a three-level reading guide and vocabulary development exercises. (CT)

Proposes that physical education teachers can integrate reading exercises into their classes through activities that (1) stimulate recreational reading, (2) reinforce vocabulary and comprehension skills, and (3) provide reading opportunities through alternative learning options. (FL)

Describes a study investigating the effects of group hypnosis on the reading performance of university students in a reading and writing center. Discusses study procedures and presents data on pretest scores and gains in vocabulary and comprehension scores. Concludes that regular use of self-hypnosis significantly improved performance. (DMM)

Described is an activity center for independent study designed to create in students an awareness of the colorful background of the English language while increasing their vocabularies and enhancing their knowledge of other countries. Activities focus on six countries: Italy, France, Ireland, Holland, Spain, and England. (Author/KC)

Studies the simultaneous language development in American Sign Language and spoken English by a hearing girl. Findings show: (1) a mixture of oral and manual babbling, (2) a code-switching ability across modalities, and (3) a single syntactic system incorporating rules from both languages but with two separate lexicons. (Author/PJM)

Nineteen first grade children were randomly assigned to two experimental reading instruction conditions lasting 12 weeks. Both conditions used the language experience approach to teaching beginning language. In the experimental stage, the language experience approach was augmented by a total of six hours of individualized word-bank activities.…

Suggests that nonfictive writing typically employs a vocabulary different from that used in works of fiction. Characterizes the vocabulary of essays, asserts that students are usually not given enough assistance in acquiring such vocabulary, and offers steps for giving students help in acquiring the vocabulary of essays. (RL)

A number of classroom environmental experiences are presented: indoor and outdoor listening, observation, classification, vocabulary, and role playing. The experiences are outside the realm of science and are adaptable to various grade levels. (Author/SJL)

Describes a teaching method for vocabulary development based on word formation by means of affixes. Discusses inflectional and derivational suffixes, prefixes, and their meaning. Offers examples of practice materials and of receptive and productive tests. (MES)

Practical suggestions from teachers include activities for defining new English words, using free association and writing, stocking the sustained silent reading library, and using the compare/contrast strategy for word recognition. (MKM)