Argues that second-language reading comprehension and its assessment can be usefully divided into two aspects: (1) comprehensions (different levels of comprehension the reader adopts to suit different purposes of reading); and (2) interpretations (different readings of the same text resulting from different background knowledge or preoccupations…

Describes an experiment that studied reading comprehension of French. Concludes that an advance organizer (introductory material to a reading selection) helped lower-ability students and aided the comprehension of more complex texts. (SRT)

Reasons that students have trouble developing their reading skills in Russian include: (1) reading comprehension is regarded as unimportant; (2) teachers discourage the surmising of meaning; and, (3) it is difficult to remember Russian words unless their elements (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) are recognized. (SED)

Studies of native speakers' linguistic adjustment for communication with nonnative speakers indicate that, although the modifications sometimes result in ungrammatical speech, more often they provide well-formed and appropriate input for the listener. Several reasons for these adjustments are identified. It appears nonnative speakers cannot…

Discusses the important role of background knowledge in a psycholinguistic model of EFL/ESL reading and demonstrates the relevance of schema-theoretic views of reading to the teaching of reading to EFL/ESL students. Also discusses classroom implications of the schema-theoretic view and suggests techniques for bringing about reader-centered EFL/ESL…

An English-as-a-second-language reading comprehension test is analyzed, first using classical measurement procedures and then using the Rasch Model latent trait procedures. Results indicate that the Rasch Model analysis procedure produced numerous advantages for the test developer. Summarizes and describes 13 of these advantages. (SED)

Discusses the differences in the processes used in reading in a first language and in a second language. Presents some current definitions of reading and details those principles and activities most likely to advance the comprehension process for foreign language learners. Offers a classroom plan for developing reading comprehension. (SED)

Discusses June Phillips' article, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading." Cites studies, most of which support Phillips' assertions, especially her five-stage process for reading instruction. Recommends the development of teacher training and instructional materials based on this research. Also discusses text selection,…

Reviews the literature on listening comprehension in language classes, especially Heidi Byrnes' article, "The Role of Listening Comprehension: A Theoretical Base," with a view to adding practical elements to Byrnes' linguistic analysis. Lists steps necessary to produce proficient listeners and given examples of programs which follow…

Examines studies in brain research which are closely related to language learning. Discusses Asher's Total Physical Response and Lozanov's Suggestopedia as approaches which activate the right brain hemisphere and involve it in the language learning process. Discusses practical applications for what is currently known about listening. (SED)

Criticizes the television French course "Les Gammas" for the usual TV faults: the "student" is 80 to 90 percent onlooker-listener, and 10 to 20 percent participant. TV can teach essentially only auditory understanding. The course is described in some detail; it is found to have high motivational value. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Understanding and accounting for gender performance differences on high stakes examinations has become a particular concern for educational researchers to ensure test fairness for all examinees. In the context of second/foreign language proficiency testing, research suggests that males and females do not react differently at the item level.…

This paper addresses how rereading can improve comprehension of second language college texts, describing a pilot study that examined what happens when people reread. The study involved two female Japanese college students enrolled in a U.S. university. The women were asked to do think-aloud protocols while individually reading a section of an…

Described the difficulties of reading and appreciating Japanese literary studies . (RK)