This study reports on an innovative approach to dual-language instruction (DLI) at the secondary-education level and introduces the 2-1-L2 model. The context of the study is an American Government class at a public charter high school in Tucson, Arizona, where the 2-1-L2 model was used for nine weeks to structure daily 90-minute lessons into a…

It is a fact that each individual is unique. This uniqueness can be physical, emotional, intellectual and/or spiritual. It follows then that in any given learning environment each learner has unique abilities and needs. Consequently, classrooms everywhere, even if they are streamed, are of a mixed-ability nature. Having recognised this factor in…

Discusses the importance of the nonverbal component in second language learning, and describes research on the role of kinesics in language. (AM)

Cloze testing and language performance is discussed as are two techniques for awarding partial credit: the quick performance measurement and feedback technique and the three-stage scoring hierarchy for partial credit. A figure and tables are included. (EJS)

The 20 conference papers in this volume address five general themes related to English as a second language (ESL): the ESL learner, the teacher, second language acquisition theory and practice, bilingual education, and the use of literature in second language classrooms. Among the specific topics addressed are: successful learning styles, ethnic…

Discusses a survey which ranks relative student interest in different aspects of Hispanic culture. Information on family sphere, social behavior, values, institutions and attitudes, and diversions are considered most important. (EKN)

Compares the use of the third person direct object pronoun by native English-speaking students to use by 10 third-semester second-language (French) students. Suggests several instructional techniques. Examines the inconsistencies between first and second language reading ability to highlight the need for a sharing of information between the two…

Argues that an explicitly contrastive discussion of formulaic expressions in the first language and the target language can help improve learner's performance. Presents a framework for such an analysis, using (1) semantic content; (2) pragmatic function; and (3) appropriate context. Examples are taken from English and Moroccan Arabic. (Author/LMO)

Discusses various experiments involving the teaching of vocabulary through the use of mnemonics, and describes an experiment which sought to test the effectiveness of the mnemonic method in acquiring writing skills in the foreign vocabulary. (AM)

The phenomenon of lexical neology and its applications in second-language instruction are discussed. A study of feminization of titles in the Canadian maritime provinces is reported, and teaching materials based on those observations are suggested, aimed at enabling college-level language learners to understand the phenomenon and its practical…

Presents findings of a collaborative study that examined a teacher's implementation of portfolio instruction and assessment in a high school French class. Gives perspectives of the teacher and students involved, and discusses implications of these perspectives. (HB)

Describes an experiment designed to determine which language errors interfere to the greatest degree with comprehension by native speakers of the language. For this purpose, an instructor prepared a list of most serious Spanish language errors which was submitted to native speakers for evaluation in terms of comprehension and acceptability. (MES)

Story grammar is a recent area of research related to an interactive conceptualization of reading. A study of 70 sixth-grade students studying English as a foreign language (EFL) suggests that direct instruction in story grammar helps students abstract a story's episodic sequence and metastructure. Sample texts are appended. (Contains 21…

Examines student perceptions and actions when short skits were incorporated into the English as a second language curriculum in a school for adults and adolescents in Central America. Describes how the skits focused on initial and final consonant sounds. Finds that students overcame their fear of speaking and improved their teamwork skills and…

Describes an experimental oral communication course designed around weekly, structured field trips to sites where students typically need to communicate in English. Students taking this course were also enrolled in a grammar-based English as a second-language course and were compared with a control group taking only the grammar-based course. (SED)