Compared the English and French reading comprehension and inferencing skills of U.S. college students enrolled in an introductory French literature course. Participants each read two different texts--one in English and the other in French--by the same 18th century author, recalled them in writing, and did a multiple choice task on selected…

Examines the role of literature in the acquisition of literacy in English as a Second Language and Nigerian mother tongues. Provides a critique of the Nigerian literacy instruction model, and discusses how to help students acquire effective and efficient literacy. (Author/VWL)

Argues that research in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) needs to give more attention to contextual factors that exert significant and profound effects on the introduction of technology into language learning. Three contextual factors are highlighted the rate of technological innovation and change; the uneven introduction of technology…

Describes an experiment in the United Kingdom that brought together GCSE modern languages examination candidates and preservice language teachers via video conferencing, thus providing both groups with more practice in oral language. The article suggests that the use of video conferencing may be beneficial to all parties concerned, given the…

Mailed surveys investigated modern foreign language inservice provisions offered by English and Welsh local education authorities since the introduction of the national curriculum, comparing this analysis with expressed inservice needs of secondary school department heads. Teachers' choice of inservice course content was primarily in response to…

A study analyzed the second-language essays of seven anglophone and one French-speaking Quebec university students enrolled in a literature course by using a cognitive-metacognitive framework developed for mathematical problem-solving and a think-aloud protocol. Results indicate the framework, with some adjustments, is a reliable tool for…

Compares results from surveys conducted in 1987 and 1998 on how computer-assisted language learning (CALL) was being used in Canadian universities. Results provided information on what types of hardware and software were being used, languages taught using CALL, the impact of CALL on various courses, and teachers' and students' attitudes about…

Presents the complementary Pyramid Syllabus Design (CPSD), developed at the Division of Foreign Languages, Tel Aviv University, Israel. The CPSD is a principled four-pronged approach to an English for Academic purposes reading course design employing elements of a Type A syllabus, one that focuses on the discrete elements of language. (Author/VWL)

Reports on an observation study of the discourse activities for one day of a Finnish business manager who works in a multinational corporation. His discourse activities were tape recorded and copies were taken of written materials. Examined salient features that characterize discourse activities in a multinational corporation and tested the…

Examines case discussion leadership in two English-medium strategic management courses in Hong Kong. Perceptions of case leaders and their students were investigated to better understand the learning situation from their perspectives. Questions and responses were coded and analyzed. Analysis revealed questioning and grouping techniques that group…

A classroom implementation of strategy and self-regulation instruction examined whether instruction would help students to plan and revise their essays and if students had the competence to regulate their writing. Also sought to determine if such instruction would improve their attribution, self-efficacy, and self-determination.Suggests that…

Highlights research priorities for the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) field, including the following: age of beginning instruction, learning to read in a second language, dual-language education for English language learners, language assessment and program evaluation, English as a global language, learning English for…

Analyzes competing legal issues and requirements regarding California's English language learners. Because of legal wording that attempted to hold teachers and administrators personally liable in noncompliance civil suits, many districts interpreted the new law as conservatively as possible. Other districts made changes site by site depending on…

Examined the effect of differential feedback (corrections, commentaries), and a combination of the two) on the journal writing accuracy of minority- and majority-language students being educated in the same classrooms. Journal writing samples were collected from 112 fifth grade students over 4 months. Outcomes of the study are discussed in light…

Applies aspects of James's (1950/1890) theory of the "stream of thought," to journal writing. Takes a case study approach to delineate individual differences by focusing on 15 students' writing processes. (Author/VWL)