A theoretical matrix for conceptualizing issues within bilingual special education is outlined. Issues addressed include the difficulty of distinguishing learning disabilities from second-language-learning problems, nondiscriminatory assessment of language and intellectual skills, effects of bilingual interactions at home and school, and…

Future technological advancements in computers will soon provide high-definition video and graphics ability to simulate language learning situations. Trends in technological options, networks, word processing, and database management are explored, and their usefulness to Chinese language study is discussed. (59 references) (CB)

An interview discusses future plans for the Centre of English as an International Language (University of Cambridge, England), the relationship of cognitive science to second language acquisition and to the role of research in applied linguistics in Great Britain, and the relevance of applied linguistics for teachers of English as a Foreign or…

An interview with Wilga Rivers focuses on advances in language teaching over the last 50 years, changing student needs and teaching methods, the differential success of teaching methods, program design, student immersion, teacher training, and technological advancement in relation to language teaching. (MSE)

Examines the conditions under which oral translation from a first language to a second language can be used as an exercise to build vocabulary. Depending upon the teaching situation, oral translation can be made both interesting and useful while being compatible with communicative approaches to language teaching. (Author/CB)

Reports on a study of the learning styles of two adult classroom learners of German as a second language. The extent to which, and in what ways, learners' learning style varies, whether one learning style results in more effective learning, and the effect of instructional style on the subjects' learning outcomes are explored. (29 references)…

Describes the process of creating an interactive videodisc for teaching Hebrew as a foreign language at the University of Michigan. Learning processes for foreign languages are discussed, lesson objectives and planning are explained, production considerations in planning the video are described, and examples of computer activities are given. (six…

A study compared American and international students' views about the usefulness of taking notes during English lecture presentations. Students differed in terms of their estimations of notetaking adequacy, time pressure experienced during listening and notetaking, and amount of notetaking. (Author/CB)

A study investigated how second language learners responded when native speakers signaled difficulty in understanding them. Types and frequency of learner responses were examined in relation to communication tasks and to native speakers' different signal types. Results supported the construct of comprehensible output, the influence of linguistic…

Examination of the lexical compensatory strategies Dutch students of English used in a picture-naming task, a story retell task, and an oral interview showed that proficiency level was inversely related to the number of compensatory strategies the subjects used. The type of strategy was not related to proficiency level. (33 references) (Author/CB)

An analysis of the English word stress placement of six native Arabic speakers and six native English speakers studying Arabic revealed that, while most of the native English subjects produced the expected word stress, the Arab subjects placed stress on English words in conformity with Arabic stress patterns. (CB)

A review of the national system of foreign language instruction explores language competency demand, formal instructional goals, use-oriented language instruction, and educational management. Systemic changes are needed for a materials production and curricular development system, individualized instruction and distance teaching strategies, and…

The design and implementation of successful international teaching assistant (ITA) training curricula require careful simultaneous attention to intertwining theoretical and practical questions encompassing abilities of successful ITAs, correlates of successful teaching, acquisition of discourse skills, and program marketing and operational issues.…

Examines the academic and linguistic needs of writers for whom English is a second language within the context of current research and publications on second language acquisition, affective variables that influence acquisition, the development of audience awareness, collaborative learning, "sheltered" content courses and…

Briefly describes a four-semester Spanish language program focused on developing listening skills, and explains, in detail, the design of the final listening examination. The listening comprehension levels developed by 196 students in this program are evaluated. A sample student test and sample of level and complexity of language heard are…