Reports on three studies of the learning strategies of adult students of second languages. The research identified two distinct approaches to vocabulary learning that differed in aspects relating to independent study, self-initiated learning activities, recording of lexical items studied, review of these records, and practice of vocabulary outside…

Examines results from a comparative study of the strategies of distance and classroom foreign language learners (French, German, Japanese, and Chinese) enrolled in a dual-mode institution. Data on strategy use was collected through a questionnaire and the yoked subject technique. Results indicate that mode of study is the predominant influence on…

Examines a junior teacher internship project in which a group of third-year Australian university students of Japanese participated regularly in first-year-Japanese classroom activities. Discusses learner autonomy and cooperative learning, the project procedures, and project evaluation in terms of reactions by both first-year and third-year…

Presents a lexical computer-assisted-language-learning tool for Japanese that is designed to develop vocabulary, "kanji," and verb conjugation knowledge. (Author/JL)

Examination of effects on 27 secondary students' Spanish vocabulary quiz performance of 2 variables (group versus individual study and group versus individual contingencies) found that, overall, group study was superior to individual study and, within the group study condition, group contingencies were superior to individual contingencies.…

Argues that research in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) needs to give more attention to contextual factors that exert significant and profound effects on the introduction of technology into language learning. Three contextual factors are highlighted the rate of technological innovation and change; the uneven introduction of technology…

By providing access, data and new forms of literacy and communication practices, it is widely accepted that networked technologies have done much to promote learner autonomy. However, in practical terms, the lack of resources, expertise and research investigations into learner interaction have all too often meant that autonomous learning is…

This report describes a project that used the computer-assisted instruction in conjunction with a textbook in a 3-year beginning German language class at a British university. Students received 6 hours per week of German language instruction: 2 hours with a human instructor, 3 hours of self-study in the language laboratory, and 1 hour of…

Results of a survey of students of the University of Dublin concerning their language learning experiences and attitudes are reported. The study was undertaken within a larger study of self-directed language learning. The questionnaire had seven sections. The first and largest covered these topics related to students' language background: (1) the…

This guide provides an introduction to the Headstart program in German, a self-instructional orientation to the German language and culture. The aim of the course is to enable the student to communicate with Germans in several basic situations. In addition to the course description, the following information is provided in the guide: (1) a…

The principles and organization of a group learning scheme involving 100 members of the Universite du Troisieme Age are described. The particular group of interest here was involved in a conversational course in English. The average age of the group was 59 and generally the educational level was the baccalaureate. In this form of learning, the…

A rationale for and implications of independent foreign language study programs are developed in this article. Porgrams at the Department of Germanic Languages at the University of Pittsburgh focus on problems and advantages resulting from such programs. Specific remarks are directed to methodology, the course syllabus, and grading procedures. (RL)

The purpose of this manual is to illustrate the application of the small group process approach to bilingual education at junior high and senior high school levels. Chapters include (1) "The Group Process Approach," (2) "Skills Required in the Small Group Process Approach," (3) "Learning Environment," (4) "Grouping Procedures," (5) "Activities and…

Unsuccessful college education often turns our students into book haters who will stop reading as soon as they graduate. The idea of literature circles embraces the concept of "reading for fun" and is intended to create more independent readers and book addicts who will continuously read for the rest of their lives. Pioneers in literacy…

This paper describes the use of commercial application and programming software to provide language students with self-access materials used in their own time. In all cases, it assumes such students will be unsupervised. The idea is that in place of buying expensive and restricted commercially produced authoring packages, a teacher with limited…