Indian languages seem to have emerged from a phase of total dependence on English for new input. Several Indian languages have now evolved vocabularies and structural nuances to handle several new registers and styles necessary for modern society. Some of the change has occurred through conscious language policy encouraging multilingualism and the…

Uniformity, and thus internationalization, of concepts and terms in special-purpose languages is desirable for reducing language barriers in the transfer of scientific and technological information. This is important for both industrialized nations and countries with small economies. Training of skilled personnel in developing nations has always…

In order to accurately assess the learning of vocabulary words, a criterion of learning achievement must be set for each word or group of words. This criterion would reflect: (1) the amount of semantic, grammatical, and phonological information the learner had to possess in order to have learned the word; (2) the receptive and productive processes…

Before working with middle school gifted students, the teacher should be aware of the characteristics and learning style preferences of these students. For example, the years from 9 to 13 are a time of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive change--also called an "age of ambivalence." Many of these students tackle decision making sooner and…

The teaching activities presented in this pamphlet present some ways of helping children acquire a few "mechanisms" to support exploration, growth, and search in language learning and, more specifically, in spelling awareness. The pamphlet begins with a discussion of the context for learning strategies to use in exploring language. Then…

This paper explores a wide range of issues associated with research on mental models. Based on a functional perspective, mental models are defined as the mechanisms whereby humans generate descriptions of system purpose and form, explanations of system functioning and observed system states, and predictions of future system states. Specifically,…

Intended for use in undergraduate and graduate courses in reading methods, as well as by classroom teachers, this book brings together teaching strategies and materials suggested by recent developments in the study of reading comprehension. Each of the eight chapters includes the background and rationale for the practices described. The first…

A practicum addressing (1) elementary school students' need to increase their sight vocabulary, (2) their needs for self-esteem, (3) their individual learning differences, and (4) the practical difficulties of providing additional practice time and personnel to teach is described in this guide. The introduction of the guide discusses the community…

A collection of German second language instructional materials on driving in West Germany includes: 18 pamphlets on traffic and driving regulations, each with 15 multiple-choice questions in German; an answer key; a text giving background information in English; a vocabulary list with English translation; a chart of traffic signs; and an example…

This document introduces a new German business language textbook for American college students and describes the preparation, structure, and potential classroom uses of the materials. The text has five units and a total of 15 sections, each of which can be covered in about three contact hours. Each section begins with a text on the subject matter…

A college course in commercial Spanish is described. The course objectives are to: build a solid foundation of business and professional vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; prepare for oral and written communication with commonly-used Spanish business phrases and terminology; expose students to the different types of written…

A discussion of the worldwide problem of how to approach second language instruction examines insights gained from research and theory and recommends adoption of a pragmatic approach. Five principles underlying language instruction must be considered in this pragmatic approach. First, the most essential function of language is its…

Designed to introduce the study skills needed for college work for students in grades 11 through 13, this teacher's guide provides a series of 12 activity-oriented units, most of which require from 70 to 100 minutes of instructional time. The guide is designed to address a wide range of student needs, allow for the participation of students with a…

The 12 activity-oriented units described in this study skills guide are designed to help students in grades 11 through 13 become more skillful at learning on their own. The guide addresses a wide range of student needs, allows for the participation of students with a diversity of skills, and promotes learning on various levels of competence. The…

A collection of suggestions is presented for ways in which second language students can be encouraged to express real feelings, opinions, and judgments within their level of linguistic competence. Sections are included which focus on dialogue, grammar, vocabulary, narratives, and culture as content areas for which lesson plans can be devised to…