This article uses diary data to examine a British learner's self-study experience of Hungarian, with reference to lexis. From this learner's experience, it is suggested that building a working lexicon is the single most important task facing the learner. (40 references) (MDM)

Discusses problems inherent in the content of modern language syllabuses. True communication occurs when the focus of classroom activities is on the message. The success of the lesson derives from the quality of the presentation and, crucially, the vocabulary list and the pupils' prior knowledge of the concepts underlying the content. (six…

Articulatory precision and fluency criteria for identifying formulaic expressions, sublexical forms, and target lexemes in linguistic productions are defined and applied to the analysis of two Danish children's language development. Results are compared to application of standard distributional and frequency criteria in the tabulation of mean…

Four experiments with 132 seventh graders, 162 eighth graders, 75 fourth graders, and 52 third graders compared the mnemonic keyword method with various other vocabulary learning strategies. Mnemonic keyword students outperformed sentence-context and free-study counterparts and generally outperformed others on tests of vocabulary usage. (SLD)

Finds 3 patterns of book-reading experiences in 24 classrooms of 4-year olds: coconstructive; didactic-interactional; and performance-oriented. Finds larger gains (one year later) by children in the performance-oriented classrooms than by those in the didactic-interactional rooms. Reveals strong effects of child-involved analytic talk on…

Describes a sixth grade class in which students examined World War II throughout a school year. Identifies curiosity as the factor that helped children most in learning about the war. Reviews teaching strategies used and kinds of questions students asked. Discusses student problems with the vocabulary of the subject matter. Includes student…

Videotapes of 45 subjects at 1;1 and 1;8 showed preexisting differences between mothers of earlier and later talkers as early as 1 year, 1 month. When the sample was divided according to stylistic preference at 1;8 (referential or expressive), associations between maternal language at 1;1 and mean length of utterance at 1;8 emerged only for the…

Examines a variety of Web-based vocabulary activities currently being used in English reading classes at the University of Aizu in Japan. Provides a brief review of the pedagogical basis for the creation and implementation of Web-based vocabulary, focusing on individualization and feedback capabilities. Describes activities, and discusses…

Investigates the nature of foreign-language learning using CD-ROM packages and presents case studies that explore cognitive processes and alternative learning experiences which contrast with conventional delivery modes in foreign-language teaching. Concludes that CD-ROMs can promote vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and independent learning.…

By encouraging English-as-a-Second-Language learners to keep a daily word calendar, teachers can tap into their need for success by helping them keep a visible count of their growing vocabulary. Describes how to prepare and fill-in word calendars, use them in classroom activities, and conduct extension exercises. Sample student word calendars are…

Undertakes a study to evaluate second-language learning with a videodisc named "Vi-Conte." Presents the research methodology as well as analyses of 78 learners' navigational patterns, strategies, gains in vocabulary items, changes in attitude, and global evaluation of the videodisc. Makes suggestions for the development of…

A multivocal synthesis involving 13 educators and researchers investigated effective instruction for English-language learners and found five specific instructional variables, including: building and using vocabulary as a curricula anchor, using visuals to reinforce concepts, implementing cooperative learning and peer-tutoring strategies, using…

This article examines whether changes in the ethnic minority composition of the standardization sample for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-III) can be used as the sole explanation for children's better test scores when compared to an earlier edition. Analysis suggests other factors may explain improved performance. (Contains…

Argues that much of language acquisition is sequence learning and that the resultant long-term knowledge base of language sequences serves as the database for grammar acquisition. The article also proposes mechanisms to analyze sequence information that result in knowledge of underlying grammar. (184 references) (Author/CK)

Analyzes changes in oral communication skills of five American adult learners who participated in a five-week study abroad program in Spanish. Subjective analysis of recordings of participants upon their return show that four participants increased their command of the vocabulary and were more at ease in discourse interaction. (14 references)…