This study of 36 backward readers (mean age=111 months) from the Netherlands determined that repeated reading-while-listening of the same text did not lead to better results (except in reading speed) than reading different texts, and asking readers to detect mismatches between written and spoken texts did not improve performance. (Author/JDD)

This article suggests ways that teachers can use videotape recordings to improve listening skills and enhance text structure instruction in the intermediate grades. Students develop story maps for narrative videos and texts and create organizational pattern guides for expository videos and texts. Lists of suggested videos and children's books are…

Illustrates the use of thematic fantasy play, or play that involves the enactment of stories from literature, in a kindergarten classroom. Maintains that thematic fantasy play facilitates children's development of social competence and story comprehension. (BB)

Describes a classroom technique in which student journals are used to teach music. Provides suggestions on topics and activities that serve as the foundation for student writing. Recommends immediate review and sharing of journal entries among students. (CFR)

This study evaluated English phrases and sentences in a minimal-pairs syllable-test format, to assess use of acoustic cues in audiovisual perception of speech by persons with severe or profound hearing loss. Of 48 items, 39 were visually confusable; 16 items identified as visually confusable were reliably identifiable when sound was added.…

Skills integration generally refers to linking two or more of the traditional four skills of language learning: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This article describes two kinds of skills integration--traditional and "real life"--and presents arguments for skills integration. Sample exercises are included. (12 references) (LB)

The role of the Pacific Islanders' Educational Resource Centre (New Zealand) in developing a listening activities resource kit is described. The objectives were for cultural relevance to Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asians learning English, suitability for cultures with strong oral traditions, economy and accessibility, and simplicity of use…

Four language classroom activities are described, including an exercise using maps and new vocabulary to discuss geographic location; an adaptation of a common board game that encourages classroom communication; an activity to enrich vocabulary and understanding of the historical relationships between words; and a comprehension exercise using a…

An observational learning paradigm was used to instruct five elementary students with mild or moderate mental retardation to monitor their comprehension of incomplete instructions. Although all subjects eventually demonstrated observational learning, performance varied depending on the type of instruction inadequacy. During posttesting all…

A discussion of the need to promote mutual comprehension among speakers of Romance languages describes one university program in France and looks at the possibility of extending multilanguage instruction to secondary education. The potential, and problems, of trying to teach students listening comprehension in several related languages are…

Task and maintenance roles of group process used in icebreakers prepare students to participate in and learn from group process. Group communication principles applied in the use of icebreakers or group development techniques enhance the instructor's ability to create a learning environment and ensure student participation in a freshman seminar.…

Examination of the relation of speech rate to communicative success among native (NS) and non-native (NNS) English speakers indicated that NS generally did not adjust their articulation rate for NNS but did significantly increase pause time. Successful NS communicators did not adjust their speech rate, although those who significantly increased…

Describes a Computer Information Systems course in which verbal communication processes are thoroughly integrated into the course without disturbing the technical content. Discusses the speaking, listening, writing, and reading activities associated with the course. Describes the challenges (for instructors as well as students) associated with the…

Contends that improvisation in musical performances can be taught systematically by music teachers. Maintains that each music practice session should include improvisation along with scales, patterns, theory, and listening. Presents an overview of a practice session incorporating each of these five components. (CFR)

To test the language experience hypothesis, the comprehension of high-, moderate-, and low-familiarity idioms was examined in 24 African-American and 24 European-American fifth graders. Results indicated a significant effect of group on idioms rated as low-familiarity. The influence of social and regional culture on idiom comprehension is…