Provides background information and basic options of Didascalia, a computer-assisted language learning center at the University of Antwerp (Belgium) in the domain of language methodology and technology. (CK)

Discusses the development of the Adaptive Testing Linguistic Achievement Significance (ATLAS) test used to evaluate second language proficiency of Belgian civil servants. Notes that testers encountered various problems caused by the complexity of language, the difference in background of the candidates and the absence of official objective test…

Explores the effects upon the academic progress of English-as-a-Second-Language students' learning of vocabulary of semantic and thematic clustering. Results present a wide range of evidence suggesting that semantic clustering does serve as a hindrance while thematic clustering facilitates L2 vocabulary development. (21 references) (Author/CK)

Explores the ways in which academic literature engages linear and nonlinear texts. Focuses on the future of the technology of the book and contrasts student experiences drawn from their insights into writing essays and constructing Web pages. Concludes that teachers and students must recognize that language learners are engaging with texts in new…

Seven sophomores at risk for problems with learning a foreign language were taught using a multisensory structured language approach. Over two years, they made significant gains on native language phonological/orthographic measures and a foreign language aptitude test. Despite gains, the students did not catch up with typical students on these…

Describes a pilot study of a computerized program for learning Chinese characters. The program, HyperCharacters, uses graphic symbols, sounds and animated presentation to produce an integrated learning environment. Study findings indicate that the program has proved its value via experimental study and interviews with students. (Two references)…

Examines how evaluation works through a text to convey the overall purpose of the writer of the text by using a developing corpus of academic research articles from a variety of disciplines. Findings indicate that the type of evaluation varies according to the type of entity and that two categories of research entity exist: those related to…

Notes that beginning foreign language learner-readers lack linguistic and cultural knowledge assumed in foreign language literary texts, gaps often resulting in possible "mismatches" between the readers' actual cognizance of linguistic and cultural norms and the level of understanding assumed in the foreign text. (40 references) (Author/CK)

Presents strategies for reading visual images. Illustrates how visual systems inform the process of listening for the meaning of foreign language words and phrases. Suggestions are provided on how these strategies apply to a larger curricular program that integrates media into its overall learning objectives. (35 references) (Author/CK)

Argues, with a theoretical focus, that evidence of cross-linguistic influences on language use can and ought to be enlisted in second language (L2) attrition research to clean up "spontaneous speech data." Notes that since L2 attrition researchers have little control over the content of the spontaneous speech data they use, they need the…

Discusses the academic emphasis on students acquiring fluency in a second language to foster their advancement in the business world of international commerce. Notes that human resource experts in U.S.-based international corporations often give a low priority to linguistic fluency and emphasize the need for cultural expertise. (Seven references)…

Proposes strategies for reducing foreign language anxiety in the classroom: (1) discuss feelings with instructor and other students; (2) relax, exercise, and eat well; (3) prepare for and attend every class; (4) keep foreign language class in perspective; (5) seek opportunities to practice the language and accept errors are a part of the learning…

Presents the results of four versions of an English-as-a-Second-Language listening test: one with questions before, one with questions after, one with questions sandwiched between two hearings and one without questions. Subjects completed questionnaires and wrote a free recall. Results from the recall were inconclusive, but in the tests, the…

Notes that teachers of German can use "Deutsche Welle tv" broadcasts on cable to create content-based teaching modules for beginning students of German. The article outlines strategies for developing video units focusing on various topics to be integrated into existing language programs. (Six references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the importance of including bilingual English/Spanish picture books in library collections, introduces some recent titles, and describes some programming ideas. Topics include second language study, children teaching English to Spanish-speaking parents, cultural studies, and bilingual presentations. (LRW)