Argues that teachers need to become more aware of the types of discourse they use in their classroom and become better able to distinguish between discourse patterns that promote second-language learning and those that do not. Provides a checklist for the self-assessment of teacher discourse patterns. (eight references) (MDM)

Examines whether greater focus on linguistic forms in the teaching of second languages could lead to improved student performance. Findings indicate a higher accuracy rate for students exposed to form-focused teaching in the later stages of language learning. Additional research, preferably initiated by teachers, is recommended. (26 references)…

This article describes the status of qualitative research in applied linguistics and English as a Second Language (ESL), identifying trends through an informal survey of professional journals, an examination of relevant qualitative studies and research methods texts, and a presentation of the views of researcher methodologists. (88 references)…

This study looked at whether prior learning of a lecture topic enhanced performance on the lecture subtests of a content-based listening test. Data was analyzed from 11 lecture subtests from the Test of Listening for Academic Purposes. (JL)

Compares and evaluates problems encountered when designing hypermedia applications for second-language instruction using Guide 3.1 and ToolBook 1.5. The strengths and limitations of both authoring facilities are discussed and domain-specific recommendations for the optimum delivery of pedagogically-sound practice are provided. (six references)…

Examined the language and cultural attitudes of middle school students participating in a foreign language exploratory program. Some students participated in culture-related lessons that employed attitude-change theory. Results demonstrated that many students enter their first language class with misconceptions about language learning that may…

Examines what should be the oral component of a foreign language course. Structural, interactive, generic, and contextual constraints are discussed in terms of their implications for teaching. (32 references) (Author/CK)

Examines the dividing line between a general service vocabulary (GSV) and a special purposes vocabulary (SPV) in English-as-a-Second-Language education, using frequency, test coverage, and range as criteria. Results found that GSV is more efficient for learning up to the 2,000-word level, above which SPV provides a better return for learning…

This study investigated whether level of achievement and difficulty of task influenced preferences for feedback when doing computerized grammar exercises among high- and low-achievement college students in a third-semester German course. It found that achievement and difficulty of task had no significant impact. (63 references) (MDM)

In communicative language teaching, one has to deal with both pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic components of language. Too often, learners overlook the cultural inferences of a sentence. One has to favor a cultural verification phase because it is the cultural context that imparts meaning to an event and enables mastery of a discursive process.…

Explores how cross-curricular themes can be integrated into the modern languages lesson. Key requirements include the need to clarify objectives, identify what can be usefully explored, introduce cultural comparisons at the appropriate time, focus on authentic reading materials, and use a basic core language and previously developed activities.…

Strategies for teaching second-language learners are reported that facilitate the acquisition and development of several linguistic, academic, and conceptual skills and abilities, including basic skills. Examples include storytelling, shared literature, advanced organizers and semantic mapping, frames as cues, conjoining and embedding exercises,…

Data analysis using the Macintosh SoundEdit software showed that the signal contains the exact reverse of what the phonological rules of assimilation predict, i.e., the rules are not based on actual differences in the acoustic signal. Possible applications of SoundEdit in helping second-language learners improve their pronunciation are discussed.…

Two experiments are reported that compare teacher-managed videotaped instructional materials featuring native speakers in everyday situations (using the "French in Action" video-based curriculum) to more traditional pedagogical methods involving a variety of classroom exercises and drills. The benefits of video use are discussed. (27…

Reports on a study investigating whether a field-specific oral proficiency test would be a better predictor of field-specific performance than a general purpose oral proficiency test. A theoretical discussion is presented on field-specific language testing and guidelines for the construction of oral proficiency tests in specific purpose contexts.…