Methods are offered for adapting traditional techniques for teaching more communicative listening and speaking skills in a foreign language. New vocabulary is introduced by using pictures, either prepared or teacher-developed, illustrating the desired lesson. Written statements about the characters, activities, and objects in the pictures are used…

Children's understanding of metaphorical language at different ages is explored. Comprehension of sensory, functional, and psychological metaphors was measured with a sentence completion task on kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade, and college subjects. Children's understanding of the metaphors was ordered from best to worst: sensory,…

An experimental investigation conducted in a rural area of the Province of Quebec (Canada) was designed to show that the assignment of specific reading tasks enhances the development of listening comprehension ability when using authentic video material with intermediate-level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners. Using a pre-test post-test…

This guide, written for parents, teachers, and students, presents advice on academic study habits derived from research data. Part 1 of the text presents the research evidence in five chapters: chapter 1 reviews common study skills problems; chapter 2 focuses specifically on research data from eight studies which successfully used precollege study…

In teaching introductory English as a second language to nonliterate adult refugees, the focus should initially be on oral skills. The literature on characteristics of recent Southeast Asian refugees and suggested curriculum strategies is reviewed in order to determine the appropriate curriculum and methods for this group. A curriculum for…

It was generally hypothesized that two procedural deficiencies underlie the failure of most preschoolers to produce informative referential communications or to understand that ambiguous communications directed toward them are faulty. The first is a deficiency in understanding the difference rule (the fact that an informative message should…

Examines the relationships between vocal activity and three other variables: attribution of quality contributions; perceived listening, and perceived understanding. Concludes that frequency and duration of speech serve as a major mediating variable in communicative relationships. (MH)

This study examined the comprehension of Wh-questions in English in children between the ages of 5 and 9. The study showed that difficulties with Wh-questions are not overcome by the age of 9. (Author/RM)

Emphasizes the necessity of teaching listening comprehension along with written language skills in English as a second language. (Available from English Inspectorate, Ministry of Education and Culture, P. O. Box 292, Jerusalem, Israel.) (CHK)

Five teaching experiments with French songs, in grades 7, 8 and 9, are described. Aural understanding was practiced first, then use of the text. In the 9th grade, work on the content became most important, with the aim of correcting and expanding the common conception of France. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Indicates that black adult and black peer testers elicit significantly more words from black students than do white testers in tests of oral language usage skills. (RB)

Reading is viewed as a language processing mode of behavior which can be developed by using good teacher questions that assist, guide, and clarify. (JH)

A technique for decreasing interference between black dialect features and the hearing and production of standard English is described. (JH)

Designed for adult basic education students at a fifth- to eighth-grade level, these materials explain the use of oral history as a means of learning about the past as well as improving student motivation, communication skills, and attitudes toward learning. Each of the eight chapters in the teacher's guide contains a vocabulary list, objectives,…