Describes pilot project on effectiveness of proofreading exercises in English as a second language classes in reducing common student errors in use of tenses, concord, and spelling. Results show some improvement, but not as much as was hoped. (BK)

Discusses approaches and problems in teaching English as a second dialect writing. Also discusses the kinds of clues student writings provide on the students' progress in mastery of standard English. (EKN)

Supports using a combination of various approaches to second language instruction. Emphasizes that pattern practice drills and error analysis should be included. (EKN)

Examines the role of constructive feedback in adult foreign language error correction. Gives guidelines applying to written work and discusses indirect and direct correction treatments. While stressing the value of the former as an opportunity for discovery learning, favors a combination of the two as the most effective technique. (MES)

Discusses the changes in foreign language instructional strategies regarding error avoidance and correction that have emerged from the emphasis on communicative competence. Considering this trend away from audiolingualism and consistent oral accuracy, urges teachers to reevaluate procedures for conducting class activities and correcting students'…

Characteristics of DART (Didactic Augmented Recursive Transition), an ATN-based system for writing intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) programs that is available on the PLATO system are described. DART allows writing programs in an ATN dialect, compiling them in machine code for the PLATO system, and executing them as if the original…

Presents essential principles to consider when designing free-form remedial/tutorial program courseware for second language learning. They include: (1) adaptability, in terms of instruction requirements and user population needs; (2) user-friendliness, to reduce machine-induced fears; (3) sophistication in error analysis; and (4) flexibility, to…

Causes of language fossilization and ways to overcome it are considered. Fossilization is the relatively permanent incorporation of incorrect linguistic forms into a person's second language competence. The discussion is focused on fossilization of incorrect syntactical rules, based on experiences with learners of English as a second language at…

This guide provides an extensive but not conclusive list of points of transfer and interference between the French and English languages. It is designed to help English language arts teachers of Francophone students understand that French language skills can be usefully transferred to English. Apart from a brief introduction, this document…

Learning characteristics of students undertaking computer assisted instruction using the PLATO system were assessed for five Russian courses at the University of Illinois. Since the computer allows accurate measurement of the interaction of the student with the material being learned, four measures of student performance were assessed--error rate,…

Thirty-five articles on teaching English as a second language are presented under the following headings: (1) "Trends and Practices," (2) "The Matter of Errors," (3) "Second Language Acquisition," (4) "Speaking and Understanding," (5) "Reading and Writing," (6) "Vocabulary," (7) "Testing," and (8) "The Matter of Culture." Authors include Clifford…