Asserts that the acoustical environment of the classroom is an important variable in the listening and psychoeducational function, both for children with hearing loss and those with normal hearing. Reports the results of a test of a sound amplification system in two primary classes; indicates the benefits of the system. (DSK)

Conducted a survey of college French as a foreign language students' reactions to narrow listening, the repeated listening of tape-recorded interviews of proficient speakers discussing a topic both familiar and interesting to the acquirers, and their assessment of its impact on their language development. Students found narrow listening to be…

Examines the relationship between optimal listening rate and reading rate of 56 Japanese college students of English at different proficiency levels. (Author/VWL)

Because interaction gives language learners an opportunity to modify their speech upon a signal of noncomprehension, it should also have a positive effect on native speakers' (NS) comprehension of nonnative speakers (NNS). This study shows that interaction does help NSs comprehend NNSs, contrasting the claims of an earlier study that found no…

Urges music educators to use activity-based instruction as opposed to more traditional methods. Provides two lesson plans for middle school students where they learn about musical instruments in an integrated science and music environment that promotes concept formation and the exploration of the role of culture in music-making. (CMK)

A Teacher/Advisor Program (TAP) based on the latest brain research puts affective education squarely into one international school's curriculum. School-related problems of anxiety, anger, depression, values, and conflicts can be addressed by teachers trained in listening and group-process skills. TAP's success at Beirut's International College is…

This research aimed to develop an instrument to measure teacher behaviors that create a caring learning environment and determine these behaviors' usage frequency. The instrument proved reliable. Five broad behaviors emerged: ability to reduce anxiety, willingness to listen, rewarding of appropriate behavior, being a friend, and appropriately…

Comparison of 17 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder placed on methylphenidate drug therapy between first and second grade and matched controls found the methylphenidate group's achievement was lower both before and after medication, although after medication the group's rate of learning was similar to the control group's rate…

Compares a group of adoptive couples (n=190 fathers and n=190 mothers) who increased their level of adoption openness from mediated to fully disclosed with a group who remained in mediated arrangements. Case studies illustrative of these findings and implications for professionals working with adoptive families are provided. (SR)

Recounts the use of a computer-mediated proficiency test in an intensive international teaching assistant workshop. Both traditional raw score analyses and item response theory analyses done on the test data are described in detail. Indicated that the test was not suitable for making exemption and retention decisions with this particular group of…

A study tested keyword captioning, in comparison with full-text captioning and no captioning, in video programs for French second-language instruction, based on the hypothesis that keywords offer less to read. Results indicate keyword captions resulted in greater comprehension than no captions; full-text captions resulted in the greatest…

The inclusion of music in outdoor educational programs exposes students to a form of communication outside verbal language, develops intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, and improves academic performance in other areas. Through music, one can reconnect with nature, appreciate other cultures, and improve listening skills. Including music in…

Observed Israeli students taking notes in a first language while listening to lectures in English-as-a-foreign-language given by the law faculty. Questions addressed include these: (1) Why did the students translate the lecture into Hebrew while taking their notes?; (2) What did they gain and lose by doing this?; (3) How good was their…

Describes initiatives to develop a new English for academic purposes listening test for incoming graduate students to the University of Michigan's English language institute. (Author/VWL)

Elementary English language learners at Harrington Elementary in Lynn, Massachusetts--whom Reeves interviewed--share their perspectives on learning English in elementary school, and give advice to teachers working with English language learners. Among the advice students give teachers are: don't worry so much as you teach us, be patient and repeat…