Using data from three experimental studies on British English, this study addresses whether, in dialect contact, there is a difference in the degree of convergence at different phonological levels. Data suggest that, in a contact situation, surface differences will be eradicated at the expense of phonologically complex differences. (29 references)…

Offers evidence that contradicts the idea of a relatively homogeneous North American dialect area in which vowel systems remain fairly stable. The article examines back vowel fronting in Canadian English and its relationship to the shift affecting the front lax vowels, as well as to the general principles of vowel chain shifting. (29 references)…

Argues that the position of the finite verb in Old English clauses reflects synchronic variation in underlying structure, INFL-medial versus INFL-final, and that the syntax of main and subordinate clauses is the same. Quantitative data analysis indicates that the frequency of INFL-medial structure increases at the expense of INFL-final structure…

Examines the social parameters of acceptance and spread of intervocalic spirantization of "/p/,/t/,/k/" in Tuscany to test the salience of gender and class. This sociolinguistic analysis of the interaction of three options provides a more precise understanding of the significance of gender and class as (co)-conditioners of variation and change.…

Discusses the appropriate bases for using instructional materials for English-as-a-Second-Language classes and points to student writing as a previously overlooked source for teaching materials. The article emphasizes the importance of handling legal and ethical issues properly when using student materials and lists guidelines for editing the…

Describes the prospects for a linkage between two approaches to language teaching: language-through-content and multimedia. Three hypotheses were tested. The most important finding of the experiment was that the multimedia computer instruction produced higher scores on a test of content material than traditional instruction. (nine references) (CK)

Surveys students' perceptions of how their Intensive English Program courses prepared them for university writing courses. While the students expressed similar perceptions of the emphases of their courses, their responses regarding how the Center for English as a Second Language prepared them for their composition courses were inconsistent. (seven…

Examines whether training teachers to apply research-based commenting guidelines can help them write comments between composition drafts that result in effective revisions. While results are inconclusive, they do indicate that students of English as a Second Language respond to teacher comments between drafts and write revisions according to the…

Discusses design issues raised during an in-house review of undergraduate English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing courses at the University of Nebraska. Issues covered include the purpose of teaching ESL in a university environment, the autonomy of instructors, focus of the writing curriculum, and the value of student effort versus student…

Evaluation of the provincial science curriculum in grades one to five in Saskatchewan (Canada) involved collaboration among teachers, administrators, and subject specialists in developing an evaluation plan, developing evaluation instruments, administering student and teacher questionnaires and student achievement tests, evaluating case studies of…

Addresses moral and ethical dilemmas related to parent involvement in schools. Suggests that school administrators can build effective partnerships by fostering trust and mutual respect between teachers and parents; reeducating parents, teachers, and administrators about their roles in educating children; and ensuring that partnerships are based…

Teacher support groups can promote professional development by encouraging ownership of the professional agenda, enhancing collegial interaction, and reducing program fragmentation. A survey revealed that teacher groups formed by teachers enabled members to find personal and professional support within the group, while groups sponsored by the…

To maintain quality education and high morale, educational decision making must become decentralized, particularly during financially difficult times. Teachers and other educational stakeholders, rather than government or educational bureaucrats, should be asked about where and when to cut expenditures. Centralized decision making, where the few…

Analysis of the history of junior high and middle school movements in British Columbia reveals that the middle school emerged as a distinct institution, that the progressive education movement of the early 20th century greatly influenced creation of both junior high and middle schools, and that school reformers have sought structural solutions for…

Each year, millions of Canadian taxpayers' dollars are spent on repairing or replacing school property because of student vandalism. The literature reveals that there is no single factor that fully explains the causes of student vandalism. Includes strategies for combatting school vandalism that focus on the school environment, the school system,…