Cobb (2007) argues that free reading cannot provide L2 readers with sufficient opportunities for acquiring vocabulary in order to reach an adequate level of reading comprehension of English texts. In this paper, the authors argue that (1) Cobb severely underestimates the amount of reading even a very modest reading habit would afford L2 readers,…

This book is based on a series of four lectures, presented at National Taipei University, Taiwan, which reviewed the fundamentals of second language acquisition theory, presented original research supporting the theory, offered counterarguments to criticisms, and explored new areas that appeared to have promise for progress in both theory and…

This book seeks to set the record straight about today's "reading wars," and analyzes the three major "battle cries" of whole language critics. In a step-by-step dissection, the book reiterates the three arguments, then explores the most salient studies that support or refute them. According to the book, the three claims are:…

An expert on second language acquisition examines and refutes five commonly offered arguments against bilingual education: (1) it is responsible for the high Hispanic dropout rate; (2) most immigrants succeed without bilingual education; (3) the United States is the only nation that has bilingual education; (4) bilingual education failed in…

Proposes implementing the technique of narrow listening to advance second-language learners' comprehension of casual talk. This activity requires a native-language speaker to digress on tape on a familiar topic of interest to the learner so that the learner can listen to the native speaker both in person and later via the tape as often as he…

Discussion of the relationship between reading ability and library quality and use focuses on results of a multiple regression analysis of data that examined fourth-grade scores on the 1992 NAEP Reading Comprehension test. Highlights include books per student in school library media centers, circulation in public libraries, and software available.…

Discusses the use of a reading and listening library in foreign language programs, allowing students to freely choose nonacademic reading materials and audiotapes to promote student interest in the target language. (contains two references) (MDM)

Studies of the impact of formal instruction consistently show that more instruction results in modest increases in consciously-learned competence, a conclusion that is consistent with the claims of the monitor hypothesis. Reviews research in which the impact of direct instruction in grammar is measured directly, discusses individual studies…

Asks seventh-grade boys (in a middle-class school and a school where 82% of students were eligible for Chapter 1 funding) about comic book reading. Finds that those who reported more comic book reading also reported more pleasure reading in general, greater reading enjoyment, and reading more books. Finds no difference in frequency of comic book…