Assesses the self-monitoring abilities of intermediate English-as-a second-language students enrolled in a pronunciation/listening course indicated three subgroups: those who improved their ability to choose correct answers but not their self-monitoring ability; those who regressed in ability to choose correct answers but significantly improved…

The impact of augmentative systems on the communicative abilities of two groups of young cerebral palsied children (total N=40) who were learning either Blissymbols or Makaton Signing was evaluated. Results indicated no significant differences between the systems and slow progress and severe limitations in sign/symbol repertoires of most children.…

Describes a study of the role of confidence in the performance of English as a second language learners on a listening test. Some analytic procedures from the Theory of Signal Detection were applied. Results show the possibility of substantial differences in individual performance in terms of self-monitoring ability and confidence. (Author/SED)

This paper sets out to give some empirical findings on the distributions of over- and under-achievement in reading in order to order to provide a factual base from which conceptual arguments may start. (Author)

As part of a longitudinal study, a randomly selected group of 82 British adolescents were tested on both WISC-R and academic attainments. This paper reports the relationships between WISC-R and attainment and results on the CSE and ECE examinations. (Author/SJL)

Examines resolution of referential conflicts in second-language (L2) interaction in two different pairings of L2 learners. Pairs where the higher proficiency member was in the dominant role engaged in little interactive behavior, whereas pairs where the less proficient member was dominant engaged in substantial negotiation and interaction and were…

A survey-interview exercise is described as it evolved through English-as-a-second-language students' efforts to develop better spoken language skills. The exercise provided students with experience in using spoken English in interaction, learning first-hand about local ideas and attitudes, and reflecting on and discussing the experience in the…

Describes the different effects for four types of activities on students' pronunciation of targeted second-language (L2) vocabulary used in oral presentations. Samples of pronunciation were elicited at three points. The observed effects over time are presented graphically, and the complex learning processes underlying these effects are discussed.…

Finds that zero quotatives (where direct speech is reported with neither a reporting verb nor an attributed speaker) are found when a speaker is clearly constructing attitude; where the omission of a quotative may serve some dramatic effect; and at sights where conversational partners are displaying strongly convergent behavior. (SR)

Presents examples from spoken and written discourse to illustrate how speakers and writers report what was said using forms and structures that receive no coverage in textbooks available to English language learners. It is argued that the exercises typically presented in such textbooks provide little preparation for the interpretation of many…

Results of a study of international graduate teaching assistant (ITA) language competence suggest that groups of undergraduates can provide a responsible majority vote regarding the readiness of an ITA to assume instructional duties, if those undergraduate focus on categories identified in a formal evaluation sheet. An evaluation sheet is…

Analysis of performance evaluations of 233 international graduate teaching assistants found that students who received negative recommendations for teaching assignments had significantly lower Test of English-as-a-Foreign-Language and Graduate Record Examination verbal scores than those who received positive recommendations. (27 references)…

Investigates creation and interpretation of nonlexicalized categories within discourse, as indicated by the use of general extenders. Shows that such categories are locally contingent, depend on contextually salient features for identifying similarity among members, can be created through contrast or contiguity, and clearly depend on assumptions…

Offers examples and proposals for fostering pragmatic awareness in a second language (L2) through the recognition of the interpersonal function of asset of common expressions in contemporary spoken English. Illustrates the use of these forms in marking assumptions of being similar, polite, accurate, being informative, and emphatic. (Author/VWL)

Studied communicative outcomes of nonnative speaker interactions and presents a methodological framework for the analysis of different solutions to referential problems encountered in a task. The framework permits identification of what types of participation arrangements might result in more or less beneficial interactions for learners. (Contains…