Students learning foreign languages often experience difficulty in mastering new vocabulary and expanding their lexicon. This paper attempts to clarify the role of the native language in the acquisition of new words. Does an adult learn foreign words quicker if the native language is employed (bilingual method) or if words are explained in the…

Measuring the exchange process between teacher and child, a neglected but necessary pursuit, is dependent upon the identification of the behavior system through which information is exchanged and upon the instrumentation used for measuring that exchange. This paper describes an instructional strategy, intended for use with disabled readers, in…

This article discusses current problems facing the teacher educator and offers suggestions for needed changes in the field of teacher education. (JD)

Emphasizes the importance of participatory, consultative interaction among teachers using the Conference Writing Process (CWP) in the classroom. Describes CWP as inclusive of gender, class, and ethnicity. Discusses how CWP actively involves students in talking, reading, and writing. Considers the appropriateness of this method at one high school.…

Summarizes current trends in second language acquisition research and suggests their implications for teaching. Five second language acquisition principles are presented, followed by a discussion of the relevant literature and a description of language teaching practices consistent with each principle. (SED)

Discusses the negative impact of poetry instruction based on scansion, biography, genre theory and formal principles. Describes three alternative lesson plans using imagist poetry, specifically that of Williams, because it rejects formal traditional rules and provokes student response. Concludes that students appreciate stylistic traits and that…

Considers several factors that combine to hinder a learner in the task of second language acquisition, including barriers related to culture and society and the classroom environment. Appropriate teaching strategies for Spanish classes and research opportunities are also discussed. (CB)

The "rear-view mirror" approach referred to by McLuhan refers to new media being used with the methods of older, different media. A Sens-it (SENtence- SENtence- SITuation) cell model is suggested as an effective use of interactive videodisk systems in contrast to the communicative competence approach. (Author/LMO)

Explains the constructivist theory of knowledge and discusses the theory's implications for teaching remedial college students. Analyzes student performance on a college placement test to highlight the differences between how novices and experts process scientific or mathematical materials. Suggests a radical change in introductory algebra…

Of great importance in large class instruction is the need to ensure that students learn how to learn. Course organization and evaluation methods grow out of a recognition of the course's learning goals. (MLW)

Argues that sufficient adaptivity in computer-assisted language learning materials for individual study can be achieved only if such programs are able to perform meaningful error analysis and fit the needs of individual learners. Other effective elements of the program include collecting information on learning and performance histories of…

A model of the teaching/learning system that categorizes the essential activities of teaching and learning and shows their interrelationships is proposed. An illustration of a model being applied to a teaching program is provided. (Author/MLW)

Small group interaction facilitates language development because students tend to be motivated by their peers. Language acquisition, classroom management, and teaching methodology are integrated within a social studies unit to illustrate how children learn. (DF)

By restructuring the sequence in which American history is taught so that classes proceed from the present to the past, secondary students in the Backward History Project have learned history more effectively and have been more interested and involved than in standard classes. The philosophy underlying this change is discussed. (IS)

Knowing how to interest and motivate pupils is a skill, which separates the "great" teachers from the mediocre. This book will inform and inspire staff and give them confidence in dealing with pupils who are not naturally "teacher pleasers." The book explains: (1) how personality affects learning styles; (2) suggests assessment tools and…