This discussion consists of insights from a number of individuals on the use of students' first language in foreign language classrooms or learning environments. The contributions first appeared as posts on the TESL-EJ email list for English-as-a-Second-Language/English-as-a-Foreign-Language (ESL/EFL) classroom pedagogy between May 2000 and June…

Explores error in writing in relation to particular aspects of second language acquisition and theories of the writing process in the first and second language (L2). Argues that a focus on the writing process as a pedagogical tool is only appropriate for L2 learners if attention is given to linguistic development, and if learners are able to get…

Reviews a number of sub-paradigms in cognitive research on memory enhancement and explores insights that they may have for theory and practice in English language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Discusses blogs, a short form of "weblog" or Web-based diaries or personal journals that are appearing on the Internet. Focuses on their description and background, basic use, educational applications, and advanced features. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on how teaching experience at a newly implemented second language writing center contributed towards personal theory development of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing for three teachers. Combined the literature on teacher knowledge with ESL writing to study teachers' changing beliefs about ESL writers, readers, texts, and contexts.…

Investigated the potential role of English-as-a-Second/Foreign-Language (ESL/EFL) websites to supplement in-class instruction. Evaluated a program in which students in an EFL class were introduced to five websites and instructed to use them for a homework assignment and self study. Students found learning through ESL/EFL websites was interesting…

Offers a partial solution for teachers working with mixed-ability classes, based on a research study conducted with a group of Japanese learners of English who represent a wide range of abilities. Suggests that high-level students may be a valuable and exploitable resource in the mixed-ability classroom. (Author/VWL)

Details the advantages and process of creating an online English-as-a-Second-Language placement test. Outlines the steps for constructing a good test and describes the piloting of an online exam over a 2-year period. (Author/VWL)

Investigates the influence of goal orientations on strategy use patterns and reading comprehension of adult English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) readers. Thirty-eight Taiwanese EFL college freshmen were randomly selected and assigned into the mastery-oriented and the combined mastery- and performance-oriented groups. Results indicated that two…

Describes eight changes that fit the paradigm shift in second language education toward what is often called communicative language teaching: learner autonomy, cooperative learning, curricular integration, focus on meaning, diversity, thinking skills, alternative assessment, and teachers as co-learners. The paradigm shift is examined as an element…

Investigated the effect of near peer role models (NPRMs). Examined the impact of a video with four exemplary, slightly older Japanese NPRMs in a Japanese English department--who were expressing beliefs and attitudes thought to facilitate second language acquisition--on non-English majors in obligatory English courses. Results show students'…

Provides insight into what pre-service teachers think about their own reading, their future responsibility as teachers of English-as-a-foreign-language reading, and about the effectiveness of the education they have been receiving. Findings suggest that they believe good reading teachers should be good readers, who read along with their students.…

Analysis of 12 teacher-fronted language lessons revealed highly repetitive structuring in the flow of discourse, frequent verbatim repetition in the collective reconstruction of texts, and restrictive turn-taking norms. Uses discourse analysis to redefine the relationship between ritual and negotiation in "lock-step" teaching in light of research…

Japanese university students had the choice of pair taping--a fluency practice in which learners record themselves speaking freely in pairs--for an equivalent amount of time as their once a week English class. Results from self reports showed that learners who chose pair taping (73) over remaining in class (n=28) reported increases in ease of…

Students in the English Language Teaching Department at Cukurova University (Turkey) were asked about their preferences for learning English. Teachers working with these students were asked about the extent of their awareness of their students' learning preferences. Data suggest the need for closer cooperation between students and teachers in how…