Investigates the reliability of measures of linguistic accuracy in second language writing. The study uses a holistic scale, error-free T-units, and an error classification system on the essays of English-as-a-Second-Language students and discusses why disagreements arise within a rater and between raters. (24 references) (Author/CK)

Studies on second-language acquisition of reflexives have experienced difficulties assessing learners' knowledge of the binding principles because of problems associated with ambiguous sentences where there is more than one antecedent for a reflexive. In this study, English-as-a-Second-Language students were tested using a variety of sentence…

Examines trends in second language (L2) communication strategy (CS) research. A comprehensive review is included of the relevant literature from the last two decades, with particular reference to the different ways in which CSs have been defined and to the corresponding influences on the organization of strategy taxonomies. (92 references)…

This collection of papers includes the following: "The Great Debate. Proposed: TESOL is a Science, Not an Art" (David Nunan); "Argument and Entertainment: TESOL as a Science" (Elana Shohamy); "TESOL: Art and Craft" (Henry Widdowson); "An Attitude of Inquiry: TESOL as a Science" (Diane Larsen-Freeman); "Precision, Elegance and Simplicity:…

This journal is intended to be a vehicle for professional communication, discussion, and debate in the field of foreign language education, with a special emphasis on the instruction of adults in both commonly taught and less commonly taught languages, for functional purposes, in an intensive setting. Topics in this volume include the following:…

Investigated how high school and college second-language learners used bilingual dictionaries. Surveys examined how well students knew their bilingual dictionaries, how they used them, and how much they thought about what they were doing before reaching for the dictionary. Results indicated that students used the dictionaries extensively as…

Analyzes results obtained at GCSE by students involved in a joint languages diversification scheme in which they studied two languages in parallel for three years. Comparisons are made across languages, with other subjects, and with results achieved by the previous year group, which entered before diversification. Findings reveal various issues…

British researchers investigated learning strategies employed by secondary students who were good language learners. Students completed language learning tasks and semistructured interviews to determine cognitive and metacognitive strategies, and teachers completed interviews about their ideas on language learning strategies. Results indicated…

Considers various theoretical and practical issues in language teaching that could help bridge the current methodological divide and proposes several reforms to the way that languages are currently taught in secondary schools and higher education. The paper emphasizes contemporary approaches to grammar, use of the first and second language in the…

Contrasts a bilingual Austrian school, which has German-speaking and English-speaking students and German and English as equal languages of instruction, with an independent school in the United Kingdom where German is taught intensively to students of all age groups. Focuses on the status of foreign languages, teacher recruitment, teaching…

Examines the Internet's value for second-language learners, arguing for the establishment of a set of criteria with which teachers and students could more confidently optimize the Internet's value. The paper presents four case studies, drawn from experiences at the University of Limerick in Ireland, that illustrate some Internet applications (as a…

The World Wide Web offers language teachers a new source of authentic materials. This article situates the use of Web sites in language learning within concepts of resource-based learning, offering various activities that introduce the range of resources available to teachers and students of French, including a Web browser, a range of foreign…

Describes an experiment in the United Kingdom that brought together GCSE modern languages examination candidates and preservice language teachers via video conferencing, thus providing both groups with more practice in oral language. The article suggests that the use of video conferencing may be beneficial to all parties concerned, given the…

Examines the benefits of language laboratories for learning Japanese. After reviewing related literature and selected issues on educational technology, the article presents results from a survey of Australian college students using a language laboratory. Overall, students appreciated and were positive about the language laboratory, though some had…

Offering boys greater choice over what they learn may help address their underachievement in modern languages. However, they may not profit from this unless they are given explicit guidelines regarding how to go about their learning. The article discusses the effects of social and educational contexts, student motivation, learning strategies,…