Reacts to an article published in an earlier issue of this journal (Vol. 35, No. 1, Spr 2001) on discursive construction of the images of U.S. classrooms. Suggests that the author of the article misrepresents the work of others and challenges her to present her arguments ethically in future research. (Author/VWL)

This author reacts to a critique that was written in response to a previous article that she wrote on discursive construction of the images of U.S. classrooms. She suggests the critique is reactionary, defending a liberal pluralist stance that takes little account of the power and politics influencing the construction of images of the self and the…

Investigates a preemptive focus on form, occasions when either the teacher or a student chose to make a specific form the topic of discourse. Found that in 12 hours of meaning-focused instruction, there were as many preemptive focus-on-form episodes (FFEs) as reactive FFEs (i.e., corrective feedback). (Author/VWL)

Examines incidental cultural knowledge displays by two nonnative-English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) in their intensive English program classrooms. Focuses on the nature of the discourse produced in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes taught by NNESTs. Analysis of videotaped classroom data indicates that a wide and unpredictable range of…

Examines the role of tone choice in the classroom communication of international teaching assistants. Compares the tone choices of native-English speaking and nonnative ITAs during their classroom presentations, finding important differences in both the numbers of tone choices and the way tones are used. (Author/VWL)

Describes a study conducted to determine the effects of task type and participation pattern on language classroom interaction. Evidence suggests that tasks which require information exchange are crucial to conversational modification of classroom interaction and that group and dyad interaction patterns produce more modification than…

Reports the results of a case study that investigated teachers' attitudes, beliefs. and practices in facilitating or hindering the success of English as a Second or Other Language students in high school. (Author/VWL)