Explores the relationship between student participation in the English as a second language classroom and proficiency in English, use of the target language outside the classroom, and field sensitivity. Results of cloze tests and in some cases, oral interviews, indicate no significant relationship. These findings are discussed with respect to the…

Conducted experiment to determine how the presence of sandhi-variation, a common characteristic of spoken English that reduces the perceptual saliency of many of its features, affects the comprehensibility of English unit. Results indicated that sandhi-variation is an important input-intake filter for English learners but not for those whose…

Examines a multicontextual aspect of language proficiency that sociolinguists refer to as "communicative competence." Offers a procedure for its application. (PD)

Considers the nature of receptive language proficiency, the nature of performance on language tests, and possible improvements in receptive language testing. Emphasizes how testing of reading comprehension and testing of listening comprehension raise similar concerns which should be addressed in the design of receptive language tests. (SED)

Responds to Michael Canale's paper, "Considerations in the Testing of Reading and Listening Proficiency." Approaches Canale's three points of discussion from a textual point of view. Discusses the kinds of language materials likely to be encountered in texts at selected proficiency levels and how this material may be tested. (SED)

Study indicates that hearing impaired residential students are more proficient users of American Sign Language than are hearing impaired children enrolled in local, public school programs, and older such residential students are more proficient in the language than are younger students. (SL)

Comparative language tests in English and French were given to pupils of the Bilingual School, Buea, Republic of Cameroon, to measure the extent of bilingualism. The results showed that although English speakers made greater progress in learning French than vice versa, the system of language teaching has been a qualified success so far.…

This article proposes improving the use of the language lab in second language teaching by increasing the importance of actual spoken language in relation to structural exercises, which may be of an artificial nature. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

Studies of bilingual children have debated the effect of bilingualism on cognitive development. This study examines the relationship between cognitive processes and balanced bilingual skills. It finds there may be a threshold level of bilingual competence to be attained before bilingualism can positively influence cognitive functioning. (CHK)

Presents a re-evaluation of the data given by Oller in the June 1971 issue of ELT. (RM)

The English as a Second Language (ESL) standards articulate the abilities and competencies that Limited English Proficient (LEP) and English Language Learners (ELLs) must demonstrate to successfully integrate into the English academic mainstream. The standards combine the principles of second language learning with the language development…

This paper discusses how Japanese teachers of English can help students acquire real oral communication skills by challenging and changing their teaching approaches, reflecting on their teaching styles, understanding the situation in their language classrooms, and taking steps to solve the problem of authentic oral communication. The paper…

This document is intended to assist curriculum developers in the review and revision of ESL curricula to ensure alignment to the overarching goal of teaching English language learners to use English to achieve academically in all content areas. This document is organized around the goals and standards of the New Jersey language arts literacy…

This paper examines problems in U.S. English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs, focusing on the stories of three Chinese ESL learners from immigrant families. All three of these people had been long-term ESL students in New York City (they had been enrolled in ESL programs for 4-8 years but had not mastered the cognitive and academic skills in…

This biweekly newsletter contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. It is designed expressly for parents and families. This issue highlights two new policies under the No Child Left Behind Act that will give states and school districts greater flexibility with respect to students with limited English proficiency.…