Replications of two basic experiments in support of the dual-coding processing model with grade 10 and college subjects used pictures, concrete words, and abstract words as stimuli presented at fast and slow rates for immediate and sequential recall. Results seem to be consistent with predictions of simultaneous-successive cognitive theory. (MBR)

What lessons can be learned from relevant research in vocabulary- and language-learning strategy training as well as from comparative studies on learning Oriental languages, which could have helpful applications to language learners from Kanji-background countries? Could both mnemonic and semantic field keyword approaches help these learners by…

This digest of what is currently known about learning disabilities (LD) begins with a brief vignette and then notes that individuals with LD generally have average or above average intelligence, yet underachieve in academics. Five common problem areas for individuals with LD are also examined: reading, written language, math, memory, and…

The interest in the effects of computer-mediated communication on language learning has increased in recent years. It is asserted by proponents that use of e-mail in second language learning promotes more effective discourse management, the use of more foreign language functions, and greater levels of student participation. E-mail puts learners in…

A study examined whether written language in general and dialog journal writing in particular is the preferred vehicle for syntactic acquisition of some adult learners. Subjects were five adult English-as-second-language (ESL) students, all literate in their first language, which was Spanish. Subjects were observed over a period of 16 weeks.…

Reviews an individually administered instrument for use by special education teachers in assessing both spoken and written language for the purpose of developing a remedial program. Finds many problems with the instrument and concludes that there is little or no justification for using it. (FL)

Examined the role of awareness in relation to R. W. Schmidt's noticing hypothesis in second language acquisition. The study analyzed the think-aloud protocols of adult learners of Spanish as a second language as they were completing a problem-solving task as well as their immediate performances on two post-exposure assessment tasks, a recognition…

Examines why learners of Mandarin use overt nouns and pronouns to a greater extent than native speakers. Findings indicate that no single syntactic structure is a significant contributor to the different rates of optional ellipsis but that some learners use ellipsis only in syntactic contexts permissible in English and most use it in a narrower…

A study of five adult males with autism investigated which combination of input/output modalities (typed or spoken) enhanced the syntactic, semantic, and/or pragmatic performance of individuals with autism when engaging in conversations with a normal language adult. Results found that typed communications facilitated the use of longer utterances.…

Examined observed occurrences of written knowledge exchanges embedded in kindergartners' play interactions while at the computer. Found that computers, with and without speech-synthesized feedback, placed in an environment that fosters playful written language exploration, can contribute to learning about functions and features of print; however,…

Explores one grammatical feature of metadiscourse--clauses with an anticipatory "it" and extraposed subject. This feature is compared in two computerized corpora, one consisting of published journal articles from the field business studies and the second of MBA student dissertations written by nonnative speakers of English. (Author/VWL)

Illustrates the potential of Exploratory Practice (EP), a form of practitioner research, for doctoral research. Emphasizes learners as well as teacher understanding and explores quality in interpersonal relationships. Reports on research conducted in an English-as-a-Foreign-Language academic writing context, about a written dialogue between a…

Summarizes key insights from the author's studies of literacy. Makes three recommendations which are designed to explore curriculum as a potential for language learning. (MG)

Examines the variations of 17 grammatical variables (verb tenses, voice, and form) within the communicative function of 51 medical English scholarly papers. Three axes of variable distribution are revealed that help categorize the papers as case reports, editorials, or research papers. Pedagogical guidelines for preparation and use of reading…

Reports on a study that monitored and corrected the writing of bilingual Fransaskois students and immersion graduates in the same class. The study's objectives were to determine whether francophones and anglophones made similar or different mistakes and whether the two groups could be taught together without prejudice. Both groups made similar…