Describes methods for creating a database for computer-assisted teaching of Russian by outlining an approach to one general problem, that of entering vocabulary. It is done in such a way that the same entry is available for a wide range of grammar drills. The program's key feature is its flexibility. (PJM)

Discusses the problems of Japanese students learning to read German; their two years of German at the university are inadequate. A "profile" of minimum reading competence is presented, followed by suggestions for teaching, including vocabulary, sentence structure, and types of text exercises. (IFS/WGA)

Examines the effect of redundant verbal and pictorial cues upon the recall and retention of a technical vocabulary dealing with the human circulatory system. Deaf students are used. Visual mediation is found to have strongly positive affective and cognitive benefits. (Author/MA)

A longitudinal study examining the role of imitation on children's lexical acquisition is discussed here. Findings did not support the view that imitation may enable new lexical items to be acquired, and it is noted that other functions of imitation in language acquisition should be explored. (CHK)

Reports on the phonological form of one child's productive vocabulary from age 0;10 to 1;8 with primary focus on his production of multisyllabic targets. Findings indicate that there is a developmental and perhaps maturational limitation in the capacity to carry out the processes underlying word and sentence production. (33 references) (Author/CK)

Evaluates the effectiveness of two different intertrial intervals for increasing the sight word vocabulary of four learning disabled students. Results indicate that, when measuring learning as a function of instructional time, immediate presentation resulted in a faster learning rate than did the five-second condition for three of the…

Compares effects of two models of vocabulary instruction--an integrated graphic organizer/discussion model and a definition-only model--on the mathematical vocabulary use of fourth grade students. Finds, after two weeks of instruction, a larger number of mathematical concepts recorded by the group using the integrated model than the group using…

Analyzes the planning components involved in a language course and the choices that they present. The article discusses the amount of time available and required for effective language teaching; the need for backward planning; the necessity of prioritizing; and diversification of course content. (12 references) (Author/CK)

Case studies are presented for two early talkers, one of whom represents a striking dissociation between vocabulary size and mean length of utterance. Each child is compared to controls in the same language stage, and the data are examined to determine whether the dissociation is best characterized as one between grammar and semantics, or a…

This study compared the effectiveness and efficiency of using a small-group massed-trial instructional format to an individually administered distributed-trial format, both using the constant time delay procedure, in teaching eight preschool children (including three with developmental disabilities) to name pictures. Although all subjects acquired…

This article examines the role of capacity limitations in working memory for children with specific language impairment (SLI). Preliminary findings support the contention that capacity constraints play a role in language disorders and that variations in the presentation rate of linguistic models affect the ability of children with SLI to learn new…

Reviews software programs for second language learners. "The Interactive Picture Dictionary" provides spelling assistance and vocabulary extension in a learner-oriented context. "WordSmith Tools" contains six programs focusing mainly on lexical analysis. "LANSchool" permits teachers to broadcast programs on the…

Presents the goals of the Plunkett and Marchman (PM) connectionist model of the acquisition of verb morphology, and responds to related criticisms. Claims that small vocabulary size allows young children to correctly produce both regular and irregular past tense forms, and that non-linearities in vocabulary growth are a contributing factor to the…

Presents one viewpoint regarding the teaching of irregularities of language structure in courses on English as a Second Language, particularly irregularities of morphology and syntax. It is argued that the vocabulary and morphology of English could be simplified if certain constraints were removed and proposes that certain common language patterns…

Investigated the effectiveness of three types of vocabulary annotations on vocabulary learning for English-as-a-Foreign-Language college students: the annotation only, text plus picture, and text plus picture and sound. Determined whether learners with certain perceptual learning styles benefitted more from a particular type of vocabulary…