Examines the difference in reading skills between two children whose first language was Chaldean (Iraq) by consulting with each child's school to determine whether their reading difficulty stemmed from speaking English as a second language. (HOD)

Three aspects of foreign students' resistance to learning English are examined: (1) preconceived ideas of learning and teaching; (2) attitudes to the culture and its effects on the student; (3) effect of the teacher and teaching techniques on motivation. (CHK)

Ideally the ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher should have access to elaborate audiovisual equipment. When this is not possible due to stringent budgeting, extremely effective lessons can be based on a simple picture or picture series. The same pictures can be reused to teach a variety of structures. (CFM)

The Middlebury Undergraduate German Language Program is described as a model for a Total Immersion Foreign Language Training program. German is the language of communication, both in and outside of the classroom. Lesson structure, materials and testing are described. (CHK)

Research conducted at a German teachers' college revealed that in English instruction at a "Comprehensive" School, equal amounts of corrective measures were devoted to each of the various types of errors. It is recommended that differentiation be made between the importance of the categories of errors. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Bulletin boards in language classrooms can be highly motivating learning activities. Examples are given here of several activities used successfully at beginning and intermediate levels of Spanish in secondary schools. (CHK)

Investigated the capabilities of the Intel's latest video capture board, the Intel Smart Video Recorder Pro. The study provides information about the capabilities of various CD-ROM drives in handling audiovisual files. The final outcome of this study was an objective assessment of the applicability of today's digital video for the purpose of…

Attempts to identify a specific learning effect attributed to the use of concordance software by language learners. In a series of tests involving transfer of word knowledge to novel context, a small, consistent gain was found for words introduced through concordances.(25 references) (Author/CK)

Describes the use of community broadcasting in language learning with specific reference to an experience in a French program at tertiary level. Notes that the principles and procedures discussed are equally applicable to the teaching and learning of languages at earlier phases of schooling. (eight references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on the effectiveness of the communicative approach to language learning, with particular reference to the new French syllabus in Australia. Concludes that although the communicative approach appears to be working for many students, there is a need for teachers to focus on grammatical structures and form for optimal learning to take place.…

Compares the author's preservice work in second language learning 30 years ago to that undertaken by her students now. Notes that the goal of this education is to inspire in each student a love and respect for language teaching. Reflects on the adaptation of traditional approaches to language teacher education to the needs of preservice students…

Presents a tongue-in-cheek monologue on the value of languages to the culture and economic life of Australia and its students. Touches on the number of languages spoken in Australia, the schools' role, languages other than English, student motivation, educational objectives, immigrants, and multiculturalism. (Author/CK)

Presents census data on the Muslim population in Australia and overviews full-time independent Islamic schools offering a comprehensive education across the curriculum. Argues that these schools offer great potential for the successful development of Arabic language and cultural literacy skills required by Australian exporters and diplomats in the…

Describes application of cooperative-learning techniques to a translation course, using small group discussions to collectively arrive at more in-depth understanding of source texts and greater grammatical correctness, accuracy, and faithfulness. Argues that social support is important as participants share difficulties, gain confidence and…

Investigates the motivational factors of students of Asian and Asian-American backgrounds learning Chinese at the university level in the United States. Results indicate that intrinsic interest in Chinese culture and the desire to understand one's own cultural heritage are the initial motivation for students to learn the language and that…