This paper reports on a two-part evaluation of the Test of English at Matriculation (TEAM) in use at the University of Edinburgh. TEAM has been used since 1987 to identify entering non-native speakers of English who are likely to be at risk linguistically and who should receive English language support. Separate samples of candidates' scores were…

Three studies examined proximity and contact behaviors (behaviors generally thought to be indicative of attachment relationships) in young autistic children. The first study examined the behavior of 32 young autistic children and children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in a "strange situation" paradigm using four…

The problem of lack of information regarding the relationship among second language students' language ability, metacognition, and reading materials is examined. The study investigates how reading strategies transfer from the native language to the second language within an interactive and compensatory processing model framework. It examines the…

Areas of process evaluation which are crucial but often overlooked in determining exemplary bilingual education programs are presented. The process evaluation components discussed are: (1) needs assessment; (2) program planning; (3) commitment and competencies of staff; (4) nature and appropriateness of instruction and curriculum; (5) pupil…

The use of prepositions, past tense verb forms, and subject-verb agreement in the English of a Korean college student of English for foreign students is analyzed in the context of Krashen's Monitor Model theory of language acquisition. The student was interviewed, asked to give a free writing sample, asked to read his own writing, and asked to…

The concept of language proficiency and the process of language skill development are discussed, and classroom activities that build proficiency in the four language skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are described. General considerations in using the activities are noted. Skill development activities for all skill areas have…

The inclusion of plays in the foreign language curriculum can result in some of the most rewarding literary experiences for students. Using plays proficiently in the classroom can be much enhanced if the play is carefully chosen to suit the students' abilities, interests, and level of maturity. Pertinent cultural and historical background,…

A study examined how long it took 23,044 K-12 limited-English-proficient (LEP) students to lose their legally mandated entitlement to bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes. All students had been in an English-language school for one year or less as of spring 1982 and all were followed until spring 1986. Three groups roughly…

This study investigated the multidimensional nature of language preference, language confidence, self-identity, and various attitudes and stereotypes among a sample of Polish immigrants to Canada. A total of 320 questionnaires were used in the study, 100 written in English and 220 in Polish; of this total, 248 were returned for a response rate of…

In addition to academic pressures shared with American students, students from other countries studying in the United States have the stress of living in an unfamiliar culture. Common symptoms of culture shock (irritability, loneliness, depression, rigidity) have been identified. Parallel symptoms have been described in the learned helplessness…

This study examines two kinds of French language tests originating from the Threshold-Level (T-Level) or Niveau-Seuil theory of language learning in the context of several linguistic and testing concepts: discrete-point testing with regard to notions and functions from T-Level theory, communicative context, and assessment of listening…

The College Board's recent report on academic preparation for college calls for foreign language proficiencies to be developed in secondary education. The needed proficiencies are outlined more specifically in a special booklet that also offers teachers practical suggestions for achieving them. The process of integrating language proficiency goals…

Based on results of a project undertaken in Finland over many years, this definition of transfer is offered: Transfer is both a facilitating and limiting factor which provides one basis for the learner to form and test hypotheses about the second language he or she is learning. Theory and research on transfer are discussed as they relate to item…

A study was undertaken to assess the French second language proficiency of kindergarten students in two intensive French programs and to assess the development of mother tongue skills of native English speakers in a third program. The three subject groups were as follows: (1) students in a full-day immersion program; (2) francization (half-day)…

The study of the spontaneous generation of a pidgin by two children, five and six years old, to accommodate their communication needs when neither had fully acquired his native language, is described. The children were an African native of a Swahili-speaking family and an American child living in the African village. The new language created was a…