This monograph offers papers presented at the 1998 annual meeting of the British Association for Applied Linguistics. After an introduction entitled "The Pluralisation of Literacy" (Teresa O'Brien), the papers are: (1) "National Literacy Strategies: A Debate" (Jill Bourne, Gunther Kress, Brian Street, and Alison Sealey); (2)…

Each person who is deaf-blind--whatever her sensory, mental, and physical abilities--deserves the opportunity to become literate in all the ways of which she is capable. Reading and writing are especially crucial for one whose world is narrowed because of vision and hearing losses. Literacy can enable such a person to exchange information and…

The development of a second-year college French language course based on principles of communicative competence and the notional-functional approach is described. Although spoken language is the primary focus of the course, it is also designed to cover a broader range of writing skills than the traditional college language course. (MSE)

A worldwide survey of 89 institutions teaching languages at a distance was undertaken to learn of alternative delivery systems and teaching methods (textbooks, workbooks, audiocassettes, radio, television, and others). Skills taught are compared with program components at Canada's Athabasca University. (MSE)

The thematic integrated teaching method for second-language learning weaves together the four skills by using a topic encountered in everyday living to explore and adjust to a new environment and language. The theme of food is used to illustrate curriculum structure, vocabulary, and activities. (MSE)

To alleviate current instructional and curricular problems, college English departments should cooperate with secondary schools in such areas as teacher training in writing instruction, reduction of teaching loads, and grading of papers of college-preparatory students. Colleges should also consider establishing admission requirements of four years…

This article discusses a battery of tests, the "Short Tests of Linguistic Skills," which was developed by the Chicago Board of Education to help teachers determine the language dominance of Spanish bilingual children between the ages of 8 and 13. (CFM)

A middle school teacher explored how to help eighth graders develop confidence and strength of conviction in writing. Student surveys, comparisons between point-of-view and voice, and practice resulted in strong, well-written papers. By clarifying the concept of voice, students' writing improved mechanically and became richer and more interesting.…

Good oral and written communication and self-presentation skills will help high school graduates succeed in a competitive world labor market. For the international school graduate, competency in more than one language will be a bonus. Students applying for university admission or employment should project honest enthusiasm, practice interview…

Describes two orientations to the learning process: "transmission," transfer of information from source to receiver; and "interpretation," development of knowledge through the interaction of receiver with source. Transmission- or interpretation-based values are like a cognitive-affective filter because they form a cognitive and…

A teacher describes how she integrated telecommunications and Internet technology into her first-grade language arts curriculum. The use of electronic mail to communicate with other student penpals generated student enthusiasm and motivation which improved reading and writing skills. Other projects included researching questions using Internet…

Discusses studies that investigated the impact of the Web on student learning and compared Web-based with traditional courses. Focuses on individual differences, including gender differences and generational differences; instructional design, including interaction and electronic learning communities; and skills that are enhanced by online…

Describes a writing project that was set up to improve the writing skills of selected categories of corporate employees. The article considers the interplay between the technical platform for distance training scenarios and the pedagogical strategies these made available to course writers and tutors. (10 references) (Author/CK)

International students who have learned English in the classroom have different writing problems than U.S. resident language minority students who have learned English primarily by listening. Non-native speakers need information and practice in specific areas of academic prose such as content and organization. Many language minority residents also…

Examines the role of play as a composing strategy for the development of children's writing abilities. Finds that boys use play more extensively than girls, and that boys balance their use of play and marked control (gisting and evaluating) while girls rely on a marked control strategy more than on play. (KEH)