The textbook for intermediate level Pashto instruction consists of 14 units (15-28) on a variety of cultural topics and linguistic structures. Cultural topics include engagement and marriage, children's education, agriculture and related subjects, the family, Pashtun history, genealogies of major Pashtun tribes, the Pashtun code of behavior,…

Three principal factors that apply equally to language and content teachers are the focus on an integrated approach to teaching limited English proficient (LEP) students in grades 6 through 12. They are: (1) the use of multiple media; (2) the enhancement of students' thinking skills; and (3) student-centered organization of instruction. Strategies…

Distance education in second languages in the United States has grown in a piecemeal, uncoordinated fashion, and it remains marginal to both distance education more generally and to the bulk of foreign language instruction throughout the country. One handicap, arising from very limited demand in business for foreign language skills, is lack of…

This study looked at the use of a computer-based voice-interactive language learning system (VOXBOX) for teaching English as a Second Language. The intention of the study was to determine whether students who used VOXBOX as an exclusive instructional method could do as well as or better than students who used non-computerized, teacher-directed…

This digest discusses the issues involved in implementing middle school foreign language programs. A number of implementation and instructional issues are highlighted, including: scheduling, staffing, teacher recruitment, teacher certification, staff development, curriculum development, teaching methods, and instructional materials. (VWL)

A practicum tested the effectiveness of a learning-center approach in improving the overall academic achievement of kindergarten children who were speakers learners of English as a second language (ESL). The entire kindergarten class participated in the method, but only nine students were selected on the basis of their score on the Brigance Test.…

In recent years progress has been made in facilitating the acquisition of interpersonal English language skills through the use of new approaches such as the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, which is based on the premise that second language learning involves the same stages as those evidenced in first language acquisition. TPR-Plus, an…

Research into process-oriented writing instruction for native speakers of English can improve instruction in writing for students of English as a second language (ESL). Process-oriented instruction focuses on the processes of writing rather than on the finished product. A comparison of writing samples of native speakers from remedial courses and…

This report examines the practices of vocational education programs that serve limited English-proficient (LEP) students without the benefit of federal bilingual vocational training funds. Visits were made to seven areas of the United States with large numbers of LEP persons: South Florida, Southern California, Connecticut, Metropolitan New York,…

Despite the fact that American Sign Language (ASL) has no written component, it still may be possible for deaf students to develop English literacy skills. To assess the effects of ASL on the development of English, it is proposed that native, and possibly non-native, signers be educated in a bilingual minority-language immersion program which…

A project was conducted to increase as well as to professionalize communication between tutors and learners in a West German university's distance education program by the use of personal computers. Two tutors worked on the systematic development of a PC-based correcting system. The goal, apart from developing general language skills in English,…

Articles in these two issues of the newsletter on teaching adult literacy in English as a Second Language (ESL) address the following topics: (1) using time cards and paychecks in the classroom; (2) phonics and reading instruction; (3) dyslexia and ESL adult literacy; (4) a conference session on directions in adult literacy research; (5) literacy…

This resource guide lists 47 computer software and 29 instructional video programs recommended for use in grades K through 12 to help teachers achieve the learning objectives set forth by their school districts and the State of California. Programs are organized in six curriculum areas: foreign language, history-social science, language arts,…

This 26-item annotated bibliography is composed of materials for teaching Italian language arts and content area material at the secondary and elementary levels. For each of the entries, the following information is indicated: target language, educational level, material type, content area, title, date of publication, author/developer, publisher…

Recent second language acquisition research has shown that language learners must interact with more competent speakers in order to learn to manage conversation. Such interaction is rare in second language classrooms, but dialogue journal writing, written interaction that shares some of the features of oral conversation, allows for conversational…