Investigated the effects of first language word-level reading skills on the development of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) word-level reading skills. Crosslinguistic analysis indicates that native Arabic and Japanese speakers are likely to encounter different types of ESL word-level reading difficulties. (VWL)

Combined multiple regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses to study the interrelationships of variables that affect the item difficulty of items on tests of second language reading and listening comprehension. Results for 214 computerized items completed by 87 nonnative English speakers show the value of synthesizing…

A study involving 158 college students with learning disabilities who were granted foreign language course substitutions found there were few cognitive and academic achievement differences among students with differing levels of IQ-achievement or achievement-achievement discrepancy on Modern Language Aptitude Test and American College Testing…

Describes the analysis of communicative moves in discussion sections across seven disciplines. A number of marked interdisciplinary and native speaker/nonnative speaker differences were found in the types and number of moves and move cycles. Findings have relevance for the teaching of research writing, which may help English for special purposes…

Reviews the literature on computer use in second language and foreign language learning from 1990 to 2000 inclusive under the categories of potentials of computer technology use in specific areas; software for language skills; software design considerations; computerized language testing; and research findings from studies using quantitative…

Describes an experiment in which rhetorically different texts, with identical subject matter were read by 490 Hong Kong Chinese school children, studying in English as a Second Language. Comprehension was measured by a cloze procedure and by recall protocols. Results showed a clear difference in comprehension between the text types and suggests…

Discussion of student participation in classroom projects when learning English as a second language highlights conditions that support language and content learning; approaches that can facilitate language and content learning; and what technology and other resources support English language learners in content-area classrooms. Uses a project on…

Presents qualitative research on culture shock, where learners express opinions on a wide range of issues related to learning a foreign language in a foreign country. Discusses both academic culture shock and sociocultural shock. Suggests better coordination between institutions involved in educational exchange, promotion of cross-cultural…

Reports a study that investigated three concepts from the literature on task-based language teaching: planned/unplanned, closed/open, and required information exchange. After a workshop on these concepts, 33 inservice English-as-a-Second-Language teachers in the Philippines were asked to label and adapt activities according to the three concepts…

Presents the core requirements for teachers of English in Israel, which outline the core knowledge and performance that graduates and practicing teachers should shave mastered. These requirements are divided into five domains, and each of the domains includes standards. Both knowledge and performance benchmarks are defined for each standard.…

Reexamines the theoretical presuppositions of current pedagogical second-language approaches, and questions certain assumptions that have been generally accepted. It is shown that the lack of a theoretical base for current approaches has led to weaknesses in second-language acquisition philosophy, language curriculum structuring, and the role of…

Describes children's books available on CD-ROM that can be read using Apple Macintosh computers. Literacy problems with adults and children are discussed, the use of Discis books to encourage reading and improve understanding is described, first- and second-language learning is discussed, and a list of currently available titles is provided. (LRW)

Uses junk mail, newspaper advertisements, and other promotional material to overcome one teacher's lack of instructional material and to teach multilingual and multicultural teenagers and adults the basics of consumer advocacy and American civics. Notes that the students gained power through literacy that would not have been possible with…

A longitudinal study of four West German university students during their six-month stay at a university in Great Britain found that their oral English-as-a-Second-Language performance improved under initial exposure to the English-speaking community, with the motor for linguistic performance appearing to be learner experimentation in production.…

The early stages of development of a prototype test of listening comprehension for English-as-a-Second-Language are described, including objective setting, hardware and software considerations for speech storage and generation, general structure, student attitudes in initial field testing, and needed additional research. Proper creation and use of…