Illustrates the comprehension-monitoring process used by first (L1) and second (L2) language readers of English as they read expository prose and compares the comprehension-monitoring strategies of L1 and L2 readers with respect to two problems: locating a referent and defining a vocabulary item. (59 references) (GLR)

Examined the discourse patterns used by a native speaker of English while explaining the rules and playing the board game Monopoly with three college students of varying levels of English proficiency (low nonnative, good nonnative, and native). It found that the "teacher" must modify her speech to enable the nonnative speakers to…

Supports the primacy of standard language usage in higher education, arguing that common communication and comprehension bind together a pluralistic culture. Contends individual student success and equality also are promoted by standard language usage. Calls for research into academic failure among minorities. Suggests standardization need not…

Describes the limitations of public speaking courses and claims current instruction is culturally ethnocentric and stresses form. Maintains that students are evaluated by their ability to particularize a speech category. Shows students have unequal opportunities for success in such classes and may not develop competencies that generalize to a…

A case is made against the use of computer-assisted text analysis, including style analyzers and grammar checkers, with nonproficient second-language or basic-skills student writers. The inaccuracy of analysis, limited feedback, and type of revision behavior encouraged are cited. (33 references) (Author/LB)

A description of an English proficiency test illustrates the communicative approach to language testing. The test measures students' ability to identify specific notions, give appropriate responses, use correct grammatical structures and vocabulary, engage in grammatical/spelling/capitalization problem solving, and use task-based material in…

Explores dynamics of parental involvement in one low-income, urban school struggling to improve student learning and to draw parents into all aspects of their children's education. Embracing a "family metaphor" helped participants overcome implementation barriers (overwhelming teacher expertise, culturally-based role expectations, and…

Describes a longitudinal study of four Vietnamese-speaking 4-year olds' acquisition of English as a second language in a bilingual preschool over one year. The research examined the learners' English-language output in interaction between the teacher and peers, and identified the key factors that influenced their development of English. (TJQ)

Describes the first- and second-language literacy levels of a sample of Turkish children living in the Netherlands and identifies factors related to individual variation in literacy performance. Measures of school literacy were taken in both Turkish and Dutch. Results indicated that these children attained lower levels of literacy than did their…

Explains how access to the World Wide Web can change approaches to teaching German composition and conversation. Reflects upon past practices in teaching German, describes an actual college course, and places the use of the new media in the general context of humanistic endeavors. (SM)

Provides suggestions for developing Web-based lessons for German-language classrooms. Practical guidelines for finding and selecting materials on the Web are followed by suggestions on preparing the materials for classroom use based on students' levels of comprehension. A model lesson plan illustrates various components in a Web-based unit within…

Reports on a study of the communications strategies used in the writing of answers in biology by English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) first year biology students at the University of Botswana. Examines four macro-strategies used by the subjects: risk taking, risk avoidance, second language-based strategies and semantic simplification. (Author/VWL)

Argues that it is misleading to represent pragmatism in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) as a unified discourse offering ideological support to an unexamined educational, academic, and sociopolitical status quo. The article appeals for reflectively pragmatic approaches towards formulating and investigating issues in EAP and all language…

Reviews research addressing the relationship between native language skills and success in learning a foreign language. Describes four components of a language-based model for diagnosing foreign language learning problems. Highlights three major intervention strategies for at-risk foreign language learners. (53 citations) (MAB)

Explores mental health, adjustment, and acculturation among Amerasian refugees as they attempted to adapt to American culture. Findings did not support the literature on refugees, which indicates males are most at risk regarding acculturative stress. No significant correlation between effective spoken English and employment on stress levels was…