Ways to use classroom tests as an aid to students of foreign languages are discussed, with particular reference to retesting. (RM)

A study investigated the statistical techniques used by applied linguists and reported in three journals, "Language Learning,""Applied Linguistics," and "TESOL Quarterly," between 1980 and 1986. It was found that 47% of the published articles used statistical procedures. In these articles, 63% of the techniques used could be called basic, 28%…

A discussion of schema theory as it relates to the learning of English as a Second Language reviews related research and its implications for classroom instruction. The first section looks at schema theory in general and content schemata in particular, focusing on how they affect reading comprehension. Studies of non-native speakers, schema…

The new call to action on foreign language competence is addressed to administrators and academic officers of higher education institutions. Based on recent reports on education, it is proposed that American colleges and universities are not succeeding in equipping students to live and communicate in an international world, and that the problem…

Study abroad is not a frill of the foreign language major's curriculum, but rather a component that is crucial to the linguistic preparation of a successful language teacher. During the study abroad experience, the student can obtain the ability to use the language freely and spontaneously, thus helping create an atmosphere of excitement and…

The rationale and methodology for using videotape recordings to test foreign language listening comprehension are discussed. First, the advantages of using video in teaching and testing listening comprehension are examined and the specific listening skills to be developed at the beginning level are outlined. Issues in the selection of video…

Problems related to the study of second language learners are described, and the factors affecting language development are discussed. Factors influential in second language learning include psychological, sociological, and affective aspects. Similarly, the measurement of language has been influenced by linguistic, psychological, and social…

Cybernetic feedback theory sees the individual as a self-organizing feedback control system that generates its own activity to control its own perceptions. Applying the principle of feedback to language use, it appears that speaking as an overt public behavior is controlled by an internally private listening capacity. With that listening capacity,…

A discussion of the language needs of adolescents as they relate to second language instruction suggests that for this large population of learners, language needs have not really been considered seriously. It is also proposed that because of the fluidity of the term "language needs," the focus should instead be on second language communication…

A study examined: (1) the extent to which teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) possess beliefs about second language learning and teaching consistent with the major theoretical explanations in the field of ESL; (2) the extent to which these beliefs are associated with classroom instructional practices; and (3) perceptions of ESL teachers…

A study investigated the actual and ideal size of English second language classes in areas of Africa, and the problems associated with teaching large classes. Data were obtained from teachers from South Africa and Botswana attending a course at Leeds University (England). The two questionnaires used gathered information on (1) class size,…

An argument is made for stressing rhythm and intonation (the prosody of the language) when teaching pronunciation in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) courses. A review of pronunciation teaching revealed that ESL methodology was formed largely from structural linguistics and behavioral psychology. These theories produced at least two concepts…

An investigation is conducted into the hypothesized notion of the interlanguage system and its effect on language transfer. The interlanguage system is composed of: internal factors (syntax, semantics, and phonology); external factors (sociological and psychological); and the typology of the native language. The investigation looks into: (1)…

The long-term pattern of language shift from Spanish to English for a national sample (N=428) of Mexican-American sophomores is documented. All students spoke Spanish as a first language and were educated entirely in the United States. The students were participants in diverse bilingual education programs during their elementary years and were…

The educational systems and requirements of Japan and Kentucky are compared in seven different areas. The first area compares total instruction days and illustrates the differences with a chart. Kentucky requires 175 days of instruction while Japan requires 240 days. Because of this Japanese students spend 150 to 300 more hours per year in school…