This article concerns the contribution that feedback makes to valid classroom assessment of the writing of young learners (YLs), defined here as approximately 9-13 years old. It shows that a scale of descriptors adapted from the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" (CEFR; Council of Europe, 2001) can play a central role…

Reports a study of children in a comprehension-based English-as-a-Second-Language program. After 6 years students performed as well as comparison students on measures of comprehension and measures of oral production. Describes gaps in the written language of students in the comprehension-based program, includes a follow-up study with secondary…

Offers a close analysis of how English is presented and taught in state-mandated vernacular- and English-medium textbooks used in Grades K-12 in Gujarat, India. Argues that the divergent English instruction as presented in the textbooks contribute to producing two different cultural models regarding being "literate in English." (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the importance of vocabulary knowledge as fundamental to proficiency in a second language (L2). The article notes that each of the studies in this issue examines L2 vocabulary learning from a particular angle, including lexical progress, learning strategies, context effect, the role of learner factors such as age and first language…

Discusses the role of today's language teacher, as "humane model," learning model, and "quality control." (AM)

Describes and evaluates French immersion programs in New Brunswick, covering grades 1-12. (CK)

An examination of progress in French education since the passage of Law 113 in 1970 recognizing French and English in public education. Topics discussed are: statistics on the French-speaking population; attitudes of the people; social and political factors; French schools and immersion programs; and program development. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A study based on two hypotheses: (1) The cognitive and academic effects of bilingualism are mediated by the levels of competence attained in the first and second languages, and (2) the development of skills in a second language is a function of skills already developed in the first language. (AMH)

A discussion of three possible formats of a bilingual education program: early total immersion, early partial immersion and late partial immersion. A French cloze test was used to evaluate the lead group of students in each program. A tentative conclusion is drawn in favor of the early total immersion program. (AMH)

Reports the results of an examination of elementary, secondary, and adult materials for French and English language instruction, which sought to determine the nature of the Canadian cultural and linguistic reality expressed in these materials. (AM)

Presents an overview of funding allocations for French language programs in Canada on the federal and provincial levels. (AM)

Five developments in language teaching in Canada which are likely to occur in the next few years are the provision of: more language offerings; language instruction at an earlier age; French as the core program; additional support for third language maintenance programs; and continued priority to English as second language programs. (SW)

Two hypotheses are proposed: second language learning enhances various intellectual skills, especially those related to intellectual flexibility, dexterity, and adaptability; and second language learning can help to develop interadaptability; personal understanding. (SW)

Recent research in language teaching is cited and four models for assessing the relationship between research and practice are discussed. These models are called the application model, separation or hands-off model, resource model, and common-ground or convergence model. (SW)

Suggestopedia is a learning technique which claims to provide students with a better and richer learning experience than is generally found in most educational systems. It also claims to accelerate the learning process by giving access to so-called unused "reserves of the mind." (SW)