Any description of what it means to know a word in a foreign language is likely to include recognition of form, both how a word sounds when heard and what it looks like when written. However, tests of vocabulary knowledge focus almost exclusively on the written form of the word. We have little idea of learners' phonological vocabulary knowledge or…

The study compares the effectiveness of Focus on Form (FonF) and Focus on FormS (FonFs) approaches in learning new L2 words by 158 high-school learners of English as L2. In phase 1 of the study, the FonF group read a text containing the target words, discussed it in small groups, and answered comprehension questions. The FonFs group studied the…

This workbook introduces basic concepts of nutrition and health to beginning adult students of English as a Second Language (ESL). The text may also be adapted for use with new readers. It is intended as a supplement to existing instructional materials. An introductory section offers teachers suggestions for use of the text and notes on the design…

This instructional guide for Tunisian Arabic is designed to be used in language training of Peace Corps volunteers in Tunisia. It consists of 15 thematic units focusing on daily living skills and activities. Each contains a brief dialogue in transliterated Arabic, an English translation, lists of vocabulary and expressions, comprehension…

This guide is designed for the Swahili language training of Peace Corps volunteers and focuses on daily communication needs in that context. It consists of a series of 76 lessons, each containing vocabulary and phrase lists, dialogue, grammar notes, and exercises. Lesson topics include: greetings and introductions; numbers; commands; questions;…

Reflecting dramatic changes in educators' understanding of literacy, this book, a revision of an earlier text published in 1986 under the title, "Improving Reading Comprehension," provides support for preservice and inservice teachers in learning to help children develop literacy effectively. The central feature of the book is a literacy program…

A study investigated the effectiveness of music and use of story illustrations on the English vocabulary acquisition of children. Subjects were 48 second-graders of limited English proficiency, divided into four groups. One group heard a story in its sung version, and another heard the oral version only. A third group heard the music and…

Techniques for using France's Minitel, a general information network accessible by computer from the United States, for business French courses are outlined. The Minitel system is first described and hardware and software needs for accessing its services are noted. A variety of options for presenting Minitel material to students is presented,…

Noting that young children learn to talk at different ages but within certain developmental boundaries, this document presents two charts to help parents facilitate their toddler's speech. The first chart lists characteristics to look for in a growing, healthy baby at various ages between 3 months and 24 months, and suggestions for when to talk to…

The Vietnamese folk tale "The Magic Crossbow" is presented in English (left page) and Vietnamese (facing right page), with an accompanying teacher's guide. The heroic story is based on true events in Vietnam during the 3rd century B.C. The teacher guide offers suggestions for classroom use of the folk story. It begins with specific…

The Cambodian folk tale "The Mountain of the Men and the Mountain of the Women" is presented in English (left page) and Khmer (facing right page), with an accompanying teacher's guide. The story, told by a 78-year-old Cambodian Buddhist monk, is part of a longer legend about an unmarried queen who changes marriage customs so she can ask a man to…

The Laotian folk tale "Four Champa Trees" is presented in English (left page) and Lao (facing right page), with an accompanying teacher's guide. The story is part of a much longer legend told in the oral tradition of the Lao people. The teacher's guide offers suggestions for classroom use of the folk story. It begins with specific…

This study investigated the effects of systematic use of similarities between the native and second languages on the lexical competence of second language learners. Subjects were 209 first- and second-year English-speaking university students in French language classes. The students were pre- and post-tested for their visual recognition of…

Intended for teachers of grades K-2, this book aims to inspire students with the award-winning art and stories found in Caldecott books. The book uses Caldecott winners as springboards to provide lively, literature-based learning experiences--from projects that encourage children's own artistic expression to fun and creative activities that…

Suggestions are offered for teaching vocabulary in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)/English-as-a-foreign-Language (EFL) instruction. Five components in vocabulary development are seen as crucial: meeting vocabulary for the first time; establishing previously-encountered vocabulary; enriching previously-met vocabulary; developing word-decoding…