Approaches to the assessment of literacy skills in bilingual learners, particularly learners of English as a Second Language, are discussed. Literature is reviewed and an assessment technique that attempts to identify both strengths and needs of bilingual learners is outlined. It is argued that current assessment of bilingual readers is based…

This guide discusses the use of games in the second language classroom and describes a number of games language teachers can use. An introductory chapter outlines different types of games and explains the use of the book. Chapter 1 offers a rationale for classroom use of games for second language learning. Chapter 2 suggests classroom techniques…

The internal construct validity of the 1989 Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination was analyzed to determine whether the traditional four-factor examination structure hypothesized by test developers (listening, reading, writing, speaking) was invariant for relevant subpopulations. Using a nested hierarchical design, multiple confirmatory…

This book argues that the goal of foreign language education has to be expanded from communicative competence towards what might be called an intercultural action competence. This book explores and integrates the knowledge base and educational practices necessary in foreign language teaching for intercultural competence. This book shows that the…

This article examines the education of students in U.S. schools who have have limited skills in English. Ensuring that these children are able to participate in and benefit from educational programs and achieve high academic standards is a task of monumental importance for public schools. One component essential to this effort is understanding the…

Through examination of the discourse markers "ano" and "sono" in Japanese, this paper explores how these linguistic devices function differently in conversation. The focus of this analysis is the mental and social functions through which a speaker attempts to achieve an interpersonal rapport with a listener. In particular, the…

This paper argues for the "nurture" side of the "nature versus nurture" debate of the nature of intelligence. It argues for the theory of multiple intelligences in relation to sociocultural and cognitive perspectives of second language learning. A brief historical overview of intelligence is presented, and classroom practices that lead to…

The purpose of this study is to examine student perceptions of instructional techniques that promote language learning. The intent was to inform practice for current and future foreign language teachers. Eight major themes emerged from interviews with numerous advanced level foreign students from throughout central Indiana. These themes include…

This curriculum unit, designed for a Spanish I class at the high school level, explores the Olmec, an ancient civilization in Mexico. The unit aims for students to develop an appreciation for early civilizations and their importance to the present day. It gives seven objectives for students to work toward and lists detailed strategies for…

The emergence of uniform standards for foreign language learning at the elementary and secondary level will soon substantially affect the teaching and learning of foreign languages at the post-secondary level. This groundswell for some sort of standard pre-dates the establishment of the standards themselves. It has become common for students who…

The articles in this volume are based on a survey of language learners carried out at five Swiss universities. The surveys (done through interviews and questionnaires) concern the ways that students encounter their second language (French) outside the classroom, and which of those practices are the most effective in improving their French. The…

This article draws a distinction between teaching English as a Second and Foreign Language (ESL v. EFL), demonstrating that in the latter case, teaching should be moderated towards greater emphasis on formal grammar instruction and on developing learners' interlingual and intercultural awareness. Advantages of EFL teachers who are nonnative…

This study investigated the effects of student self-assessment on English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students' knowledge achievement and academic thinking. Ninety-four college seniors from the Department of English at the School of Education at Suez University in Egypt participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, an…

This journal is dedicated to the exchange of ideas related to language instruction in all its aspects--teaching, learning, and research. Each issue contains several articles presenting the latest findings on language teaching, learning, classroom strategies and techniques, and scholarly and applied research. Regular features include book reviews…

In learning a second language, an important threshold has been crossed when authentic, extended communication with native speakers becomes possible. At that point, the learner is able to take a proactive role in interactions, gaining at least some real control over the topic, course, and purpose of a conversation. Training in attending skills set…