A study examined effects of requiring mainly nonfrancophone university freshmen to use word processing in a French literature course. Results showed students learned word processing without harmful effects on course performance, showed greater control over French spelling and grammar, and wrote more syntactically complex French. Increased…

To find out which context variables relate to improvement in the second-language acquisition of migrant children in West Germany, a longitudinal study with a follow-up design with Turkish elementary school students was set up. The study was carried out using standardized tests and by conducting interviews with the pupils, their parents and…

French news broadcasts by Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA) may prove overwhelmingly difficult for typical intermediate-level students because it is written discourse in an audiovisual medium. However, thoughtful selection of material and careful preparation of related exercises can make SCOLA features rewarding even for students with…

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict the first- and second-language proficiency of ethnic minority children at the age of six. Results of the study show two dimensions that underlie children's proficiency in either language: communicative skills versus cognitive/academic skills. (45 references) (JL)

This study is a partial replication of a set of studies conducted to investigate the effects of unequal status on speech variation. It was found that, in some respects, first- and second-language variation may be quantitatively different. (52 references) (JL)

Describes how the teaching of language and the teaching of subject matter knowledge can be brought together to empower students and to foster a positive attitude toward their own abilities. Illustrates a framework for integrating language development and the development of subject matter knowledge with a case study of one classroom in Vancouver,…

Describes a project where children follow the natural progression of becoming literate in their native language (Spanish) before developing literacy in the language of the school. Demonstrates the manner in which social interaction is part of literacy acquisition at the early stages. (MG)

Discusses a number of areas of concern for the foreign language teaching profession for the 1990s. It is suggested that the foreign language teaching profession must consider the problems raised here to determine their validity and to address them as needed with the energy and resources that each requires. (JL)

Asserts that the lack of attention given to the role of the foreign, graduate student, teaching assistant is surprising and shortsighted. Examines recent trends, practices, and concerns related to internationalizing the curriculum and using foreign student assistants. (CFR)

A study in two high school language programs investigated students' oral proficiency (OPI) interview ratings after a typical four-year sequence, degree to which teachers could accurately predict students' ratings, and relationship between classroom achievement and OP ratings. Results provide valuable information for states and school districts as…

Describes research into students' language-learning preferences and strategies, conducted by three English-as-a-Second-Language teachers at three different postsecondary institutions. Focuses on how students' preferences and language-learning strategies vary by student ethnicity, language background, goals of the study, proficiency level, and…

Two studies explored bilingual language-development outcomes of low-income, Spanish-speaking, Mexican-American children who did or did not attend a bilingual preschool. Found that children who attended bilingual preschools, compared to those remaining at home, showed significant and parallel gains in Spanish-language development and in…

A study investigated how well college-bound minority secondary school students are prepared for academic language tasks in college, how aware they are of their academic language needs, college academic culture, college curricular demands, and the effect of academic language instruction on these factors. Results indicate that students are generally…

Examines the linguistic complexity and functional variety of the speech and writing of 2 bilingual children in year 2 of a British infant school. Focuses on the contexts of language use and shows the children making causal connections between separate episodes of the observation phase, considered proof of learning. (JPB)

Investigated effects of acculturation on psychological well-being of 588 immigrant 11- to 20-year-olds in Finland. Found that most indices of well-being were negatively related to perceived discrimination, and some were positively related to second-language proficiency. Adolescents' experiences of parental support and adherence to traditional…