Explores uses for intelligent courseware in language classrooms. Defines three types of intelligent systems: microworlds, intelligent grammar checkers, and intelligent tutoring systems. Explains uses of these systems for all phases of writing instruction and for second language instruction. Questions for future research are raised. (Author/LS)

A study found that students, grades 8-11, leaving immersion programs were dissatisfied with the quality of instruction and the content and difficulty of immersion courses, and felt better grades would be obtained in the English program. A greater percentage of immersion students felt bilingual education would lead to better employment and…

Describes an English as a second language (ESL) instructional model that links ESL courses with content courses to better integrate the reading, writing, and study skills required for academic success in the university setting. Results of students' evaluations of the program and follow-up on participants are discussed. (Author/CB)

A method for highlighting aspects of oral communication for French second-language learners is described. Students are videotaped mimicking a one-minute passage in French, which is recorded over the video. The dubbed student performance illustrates the role of body language, rhythm, intonation, and other factors in speech. (MSE)

Recent research has recommended increased use of the target language; the use of cognitive, metacognitive, and prosocial strategies; and cooperative learning to help achieve oral proficiency and communication within the classroom. This paper describes a 21-day research action project involving 2 Spanish 2 honors classes and several cooperative…

Overviews the traditional grammar-based language lesson and the communicative approach to teaching languages. The article maintains that adopting a less prescriptive approach to the formal system of the language and gradually training students to see the printed text as another form of interaction will contribute to developing a sensitivity for…

Studied the motivation and psychosocial needs of students in a General English classroom who were not connecting with the main coursebook. Results of a questionnaire revealed the learners' recognition of their needs and uncovered the problem's source and materials designed for solution. Course and materials design can be based directly on needs…

Discusses short extracts from essays written by first-year undergraduates following an English-as-a-Second-Language medium humanities curriculum at the University of Hong Kong. Some of the wording reflected unintended knowledge claims. Feedback sessions on students' essays looked into ways in which a writer's factual or evaluative claims might be…

Studies the early childhood classroom as a setting for the continuing development of communication, cognition, and social skills for language minority students. Because the integration of language and content is best done through the use of children's literature, weekly literary selections motivate student interest and stimulate oral and written…

Focuses on a telecourse funded by the Florida Department of Education to assist the State's 67 school districts in training teachers in effective English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching strategies to fulfill a requirement established by a consent decree in 1990. Showing videotapes of teachers applying learned strategies in the classroom…

Discusses strategies for teaching Spanish to students with learning disabilities. These strategies include using flexible materials and alternative assessment methods, accepting individual students and ascertaining their disabilities, adapting to student needs, using a multisensory approach, and teaching students study skills particular to…

Classroom actions of early French immersion teachers were identified and the teachers' perceptions of their effectiveness were determined. The majority of actions referred to vocabulary instruction management. The need for a distinct teacher preparation program for teaching in a second-language context was found. (Contains 43 references.)…

Examines ways to involve language students in the test-making process. Discusses student-generated test items, test goals, outdoor paired vocabulary testing, interactive grading, and peer testing. Argues that student learning is more important than test scores. (nine references) (MDM)

Discusses activities that can help language students use the concept of personal competence to become better learners. Teachers can list student and teacher responsibilities, ask students for feedback on class activities, and implement student suggestions to accommodate individual and group learning styles. (three references) (MDM)

Describes a secondary school language teacher's use of electronic mail and an electronic bulletin board system to conduct several classes for multinational students of English at Hong Kong International School. Student assignments, student assessment, the development of communication and thinking skills, and unexpected difficulties involving…