Describes LEARN, a software system for computer assisted foreign language vocabulary acquisition. Notes that the system processes English unrestricted text by translating selected English words in it into foreign words before presenting the text to the student. Points out that the natural path for the system's future is to add more languages. (23…

This study compared efficacy and efficiency of constant time delay and interspersal of known items to teach sight words to four students with mild mental retardation and learning disabilities. Results support effectiveness of constant time delay and suggest that interspersal of known items was more effective with students with learning…

Phonological neighborhood analyses of tow children's expressive lexicons, maternal input, and an adult lexicon were conducted. In addition to raw counts and frequency-weighted counts, neighborhood size was calculated as the proportion of the lexicon to which each target word is similar, to normalize for vocabulary size differences. Analyses…

Challenges basic assumptions underlying the claim that reading is the major source of vocabulary acquisition in a second language, including the noticing assumption, the guessing ability assumption, the guessing-retention link assumption, and the cumulative gain assumption. Reports on three experiments in which vocabulary gains from reading were…

Illustrates games that can be used for developing vocabulary in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language classroom. The games are intended to be integrated into the general language syllabus and can be an important and enjoyable way of practicing vocabulary. (Author/VWL)

Describes a method for enhancing Vocabulary and reading comprehension among English-as-a-Foreign-Language students. The approach involves teaching students to derive meaning through the help of context clues. (Author/VWL)

Examines the impact of topic familiarity, second language (L2) reading proficiency, and L2 passage sight vocabulary on incidental vocabulary acquisition. Analyses reveal robust effects of reading proficiency, differential effects of topic familiarity, and isolated effects of passage sight vocabulary. (Author/VWL)

Looks at the best ideas for teaching vocabulary, relates them to the not-so-good ideas, and considers what they mean for the future of spelling instruction. Presents 4 "best ideas" and 3 "not-so-good" ideas for spelling instruction. (SG)

Proposes that vocabulary building online can help to develop collaboration skills and positive home-school connections. Notes that most teachers can attest to the positive relationship between technology and motivation in the classroom. Provides an annotated list of 10 Internet sites for vocabulary learning which includes a brief description of…

This study examined the relationship between fast mapping and word learning and between comprehension and production of new words with 30 young children with specific language impairment (SLI). Results suggest that children with SLI may need to hear a new word twice as many times as other children before comprehending and independently using the…

Connects knowledge about good vocabulary instructional practices and actual practice through information, guidelines, and specific strategies. Details the strategies of semantic feature analyses; word maps; individual vocabulary cards; word webs; context-relationship procedure; the Frayer model; and word analogies. Concludes there needs to be…

Work with a longitudinal low-income sample of almost 200 early readers revealed that schools that focus entirely on teaching decoding skills in the early grades neglect the essential vocabulary knowledge that students need to become competent readers. (Contains 20 references and 5 tables.) (MLF)

Highlights the use of novice-level books produced from or for the Internet in the beginning level German as a foreign language classroom. Such books can be used for pleasure reading, for learning content, and for the development of vocabulary. Techniques for such use are provided. (Author/VWL)

Examined the relationship between caregiver input to 9-month-old infants and their subsequent language. Mother-infant dyads were videotaped at ages 9, 12, and 30 months. Language comprehension was measured by parent report and correlated with an independent language measure. Found that the total number of words mothers used when their infants were…

Examines individual differences in the rate of early lexical development with a specific interest in gender differences. Explored individual differences in developmental trajectories of vocabulary comprehension and production using two analytic approaches. Both techniques demonstrated that the lexical development of girls outpaced that of boys.…