Some learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) face difficulties learning Chinese characters (hanzi), particularly if they are from alphabetic language backgrounds such as English. Many CFL students need to develop the ability to self-regulate their learning to cope with the learning of hundreds of characters in the beginner and intermediate…

This study examines the impact of instructor-led (IL) versus self-access (SA) web-based pragmatic instruction on novice second language learners' (n = 28) awareness and oral production of Spanish apologies. Two sections of a second-semester Spanish course were assigned to either the IL or the SA group. The web-based resource "Dancing with…

Rapid improvements in the capabilities of machine translation (MT) raise questions about possible increases in overreliance on MT among lower-proficiency or novice level language learners. This study investigated how such learners described their use of online MT for independent reading and writing tasks, and whether this included descriptions…

Due to its accessibility and popularity, anime has been explored as a motivation for learning Japanese and as a pedagogical tool linking Japanese-as-a-foreign-language (JFL) literacy practices inside and outside of the classroom. However, JFL learners' actual practices in anime-mediated self-directed learning have not been fully investigated.…

While much second language acquisition research has focused on characteristics of in-class language study, little is known about the characteristics and effectiveness of out-of-class language study. This exploratory study addresses this gap by analyzing questionnaire data from 707 adult students enrolled in intensive (6-16 months) language study…

This article focuses on the construct of linguistic risk-taking and outlines a new pedagogical initiative implemented at a Canadian bilingual postsecondary institution. The Linguistic Risk-Taking Initiative aims at encouraging language learners to target specific challenges and seek opportunities to practice their second official language (French…

This study explored the pedagogical benefits of flipped online kanji (i.e., Chinese characters used in Japanese) instruction integrated into college-level introductory and intermediate Japanese language courses. Using a quasi-experimental mixed design, the investigation looked at the effects of two instructional approaches: (1) a flip approach in…

This article describes an interdisciplinary collaboration that combined the study of German language with instruction in environmental issues (sustainable development). The project, involving both an independent study and a classroom unit, allowed students to make connections between disciplines, establish contact with German-speaking communities…

Discusses the form and use of learning contracts in second- language teaching and learning. It is suggested that learning contracts are an ideal means to offer language learners greater opportunities to work toward, and achieve, individual goals. (Author/JL)

It is asserted that students can discover the rules of German grammar, or any grammar, by asking the right questions about a text; they can write grammars and compile vocabulary lists. Classes that were taught in this way are described. (Author/RM)

While self-paced instruction works well at earlier stages of Latin language learning, it becomes ineffective at intermediate levels. Latin students are expected to read continuous prose by the third or fourth term. Classroom instruction is better for the transition from syntax and grammar to reading, where group effort reinforces learning. (PJM)

Argues that word learnability and ease in the second-language classroom can serve as guidelines in second-language instruction for the following: the selection of words to be taught; the presentation of words; the facilitation of long-term memorization; the development of strategies for self-learning; and the assessment of vocabulary knowledge.…

Given the lack of guidance for teachers regarding the role of explicit grammar instruction in the proficiency-oriented classroom, an experiment investigated how well students are able to read, learn, and use targeted grammar structures on their own. Results suggest they can learn certain kinds of linguistic structures anonymously, but others…

As distance learning and other nontraditional methods of language learning become more popular, it is important to understand the factors that influence learners' ability to succeed in such environments. This paper reports on two factors that have a significant impact on the student experience in a self-instructed language program: locus of…

Proposes an alternate approach to language learning for the American classroom based on notions of learner independence and community involvement. This method, in-situ exploration, utilizes native-speaking mentors and a five-step "Learning Cycle." (Author/SED)