In cognitive diagnosis a Q-matrix (Tatsuoka, 1983, 1990), which is an incidence matrix that defines the relationships between test items and constructs of interest, has great impact on the nature of performance feedback that can be provided to score users. The purpose of the present study was to identify meaningful skill coding categories that…

A major question in L2 reading research is whether L2 reading is a language or a reading problem. Existing research, mainly carried out in Western contexts, demonstrates that L2 reading is influenced by L1 reading and L2 proficiency. This study applied the L2 reading theory in a non-Western context (Eritrea, East Africa) with L1 reading acquired…

The present study evaluates the relative effectiveness of three types of input-based approaches for teaching English polite request forms to sixty Japanese learners of English: (a) structured input tasks with explicit information; (b) problem-solving tasks; and (c) structured input tasks without explicit information. Treatment group performance…

This study investigated whether cultural familiarity influences comprehension of short stories and whether nativizing the story or using reading activities can compensate for the lack of such familiarity. The study was conducted with 44 advanced-level students of English at a state university in Turkey. In a 2 x 2 experimental research design, the…

Discusses the possibility of introducing the booklet "Now Listen Carefully" (Volk und Wissen, Berlin 1975), which contains 72 texts. A topical arrangement of the texts into teaching units is attempted, and hints on method are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

An experimental test consisting of dialogue with intermittent pauses for responses and a white noise accompaniment was given to non-English speakers who were candidates for admission to the English Department at Bar Ilan University in order to evaluate aural comprehension. Development of the test and results are reported. (RM)

Although the constraints of time and environment under which most language learning is done mean that a natural language situation can never be reproduced in school, many of the findings from first language acquisition studies apply to second language (L2) learning. This would mean therefore that instead of stressing speaking in a beginning L2…

Deals with problems arising in teaching English in the Hauptschule ("practical branch" secondary school, grades 7-10). Discusses, among other things, cultivation of the ability to understand the FL as a means of motivating the slow learner, with English teaching oriented toward projects and practical matters. (Text is in German.)…

This study was conducted to determine if the low reading achievement of a group of Creole-speaking first and second graders was caused by lack of comprehension (due to dialect interference) of their Standard English texts. The materials used were three stories in Creole and three stories in Standard English. Because they had never encountered…

A report on an experiment testing the hypothesis that reading comprehension in a foreign language is learned more quickly and improved if reading instruction follows instruction and practice in listening comprehension. Results indicate that there is a high degree of transfer from listening to reading comprehension. A bibliography is provided. (AMH)

The Department of Germanic Languages at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a language program in which students are trained in listening and reading comprehension before practicing production. The main objective was to improve student attitudes and reduce attrition between semesters. (SW)

This article examines teaching methods for developing foreign language comprehension in students, with attention to methods of testing comprehension. Reading materials should include journals, newspapers, and items concerning teenage culture. The English summary of a French text is recommended for testing comprehension; examples of this exercise…

Discusses in detail a technique, called LES (Listen, Enumerate, and Start), for developing the listening skills of adult ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Students listen to an utterance and then answer questions such as the number of words in a particular sentence, the number of unknown words, etc. (CFM)

A questionnaire given to graduates and students of English revealed that: most use of their English was in the home country; aural comprehension was most important, followed by reading-comprehension, speaking and writing. Abroad, English was used more in non-English-speaking countries than in England or the USA. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Presents a critical review of current empirical second-language (L2) studies addressing the effects of simplification on L2 learners' comprehension and intake in the written and aural modes. Argues that the issue of the role and effects of simplification on learners' comprehension and intake remains contentious. (35 references) (Author/CK)