Concludes that both able and less able eighth grade readers who read text versions in which key concepts and the relations between them had been explained thoroughly learned significantly more word meanings than did students who read any of the other versions. (FL)

Summarizes five theories explaining the relationship between word knowledge and comprehension of text in native language acquisition and explores possible implications for second language researchers and practitioners. (Author/CB)

Subjects in the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study included 2,900 hospitalized and 11,000 nonhospitalized children. Data analysis shows associations between length of preschool hospitalization and vocabulary at ages 5 and 10, and reading and mathematics attainment at age 10. Associations were also found between hospitalization frequency and…

Discusses English as a second language (ESL) theory as it relates to the use of literature, and presents a four-step approach to any literary text that obliges ESL students to take responsibility for building their own successively more complex schemata. This approach is illustrated with Hemingway's short story "Soldier's Home." (Author/LMO)

Considers current research on reading in a second language from five points of view: (1) the reader's role in light of new models of language and textual meaning; (2) revised definitions of textual meaning and reader processing; (3) reader processing of schemata; (4) relationship between second-language competency and reader strategies; and (5)…

Reviews research on the relationship between children's television viewing and their school achievement and describes learning activities related to television that are designed to teach vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension; promote independent reading; and encourage students to become more critical viewers. (Author/EM)

The City University of New York Graduate School's professional program in translation combines high-level, specialized language learning in French, German, and Spanish with related graduate work in such disciplines as international affairs, finance, banking, jurisprudence, literature, and computer science. (CB)

Teachers can help deaf elementary students adjust to the total communication classroom setting by: evaluating signing skills; conducting a class orientation; submerging students in the sign language environment; using sign language vocabulary cards; offering sign language classes; encouraging peer tutoring; scheduling individual conferences; and…

Explores the decision-making process that went into producing the Blossom computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials for French instruction at Pennsylvania State University. Some of the attributes, limitations, and questions concerning the user, validity, and usefulness of CAI materials are also discussed. (Author/SED)

The findings of three major studies that assessed the impact of public vs. Catholic schooling on how much students learned in the last two years of high school are compared. The studies are Hoffer, Greeley, and Coleman (1985), Willms (1985), and Alexander and Pallas (1985). (RM)

Describes the TESL program implemented at the University of Western Australia which emphasizes learner autonomy and meets the needs of overseas students. (HOD)

Reviews software suitable for teaching elementary school language arts, specifically word processing programs for prereaders, and programs for readers grades 3-6 on typing skills and language arts development. Skill building software for word attack, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are outlined; and merchandise information is provided for…

Describes how news magazines were used successfully as supplements to teach civic literacy, vocabulary, and writing to college level reluctant readers. Contains two sample exercises. (HOD)

This guide begins with a story about the parents of twin kindergartners. The story models ways in which the parents of Mike and Chris help them learn to read, such as reading the newspaper together with them and asking them questions about the books they are reading. Included is another short story parents can read with their child, and a list of…

This reproducible, multilevel curriculum for English Literacy and Civics Education contains six field-tested and illustrated models: (1) The Democratic Process; (2) Community and Home Safety; (3) The Public Library; (4) The U.S. School System; (5) Public Health Services; and (6) Housing. The package includes the following: the Community…