Analyzes some examples of classroom interaction from observation of English as a second language (ESL) teachers in Japanese classrooms. Analysis of the data shows that lessons often seem to pass from meaningless activity to silence and that ESL teachers continue to emphasize form over meaning and accuracy over communication. (SED)

A classroom method used to develop advanced English-as-a-second-language students' appreciation for a literary work, ability to do close text analysis, and general language skills is described. The four-session procedure uses a short story and careful sequence of teacher questioning. In the first session, students are prepared to understand the…

This article attempts to offer insights on how to facilitate student-student interaction in the science classroom. These insights derive from two sources, one from the education literature and the other from the linguistics literature. From the pedagogic sciences, cooperative learning offers a means of understanding what helps groups of students…

Undertakes to classify the various types of questions occurring in everyday speech for the use in foreign language teaching. (IFS/WGA)

This study examined the nature of oral and written discourse constructed among middle school students and between students and adults during a 2-year collaborative writing project in which adults helped 3 students describe an alternative reading program they had participated in. Findings indicated that rather than telling students what to do, much…

Describes the use of a real-time Local Area Network (LAN) in a basic reading and writing course. Argues that student use of real-time networks encourages democratization. Suggests that real-time writing offers opportunities to learn about writing, communication, topic exploration, brainstorming, and the role of identities in discourse. (SG)

The theoretical and empirical work of J. Britton and his followers is reviewed. The uses of Britton's discourse system in writing research and studies of school writing are considered. Topics addressed include Britton's conceptualization of heuristics, written discourse, pedagogy, function system, learning processes, teaching methods, and text…

Argues that in seeking a healthy fusion of power, applied linguistics is in a position to discover the appropriate response to the dilemma of injecting ethical responsibility into the profession while dealing with the competition for power between marginalized groups and the establishment. (15 references) (Author/CK)

Preterite/Imperfect (PI) usage is one of the hardest grammatical features of Spanish to learn. Some of the blame lies with misleading textbook explanations. A discussion of problematic P/I textbook explanations shows why the presentation of a more reliable set of principles is a preferable alternative to questionable rules of thumb. (18…

This study compared traditional instruction (basal approach) with an interactive instructional conversation (IC) approach for enhancing the language and concept development of five Hispanic students (ages 7-9) with learning disabilities. Proximal measures indicated higher levels of discourse and greater participation with IC, whereas distal…

Explores the nature of explanations used by 20 middle school science teachers utilizing the constant comparative analysis method in analyzing transcripts of classroom discourse. Discusses a subsuming categorical framework for the 10 types of explanations generated, along with examples of each type, namely: analogical, anthropomorphic, functional,…

Recommends that mathematics instruction should promote student discourse by orchestrating situations in which each individual's thinking is challenged and asking students to clarify and justify ideas. Provides a vignette of a heterogeneously grouped seventh-grade mathematics class to illustrate the process of mathematical discourse. (ASK)

Explores the role of language awareness in the teaching and learning of languages within the framework of educational reform in Spain. Three different types of discourse are compared: the official curriculum, teachers' views obtained in interviews, and teachers' classroom practices. (Author/VWL)

Investigated how 30 tertiary English-as-a-Second-Language learners, at advanced and intermediate levels, engaged in a text reconstruction task. The study examined the types of grammatical items that caused the students most concern, and the reasoning they used to arrive at grammatical decisions. (Author/JL)

Developmental research and educational practice involve conversations between children and adults. The conversational aspects of these situations have rarely been occasions for reflection. Discrepancies between the child's expectations and the adult's intentions can lead to misunderstanding, for example, at school or during a research interview.…