This paper examines differences between approaches to instruction in Japanese and American classrooms and the need for individualized English instruction in Japan. Traditional classroom techniques in Japan have emphasized treating all students the same, whereas American techniques, especially since the 1970s, have placed a growing emphasis on…

This book covers essential problems and basic concepts of English language testing. There are 20 chapters in four sections. Section 1, "Background," includes: (1) "Why Teachers Test"; (2) "Some Definitions"; (3) "Validity and Reliability"; and (4) "What You Should Learn about Standardized Tests." Section 2, "Preparing To Write Tests," includes:…

English is not the most widely spoken language in the world, but it is the most widely used by non-native speakers, making the teaching of English as a Second Language a very important endeavor. This book provides an overview of English language teaching, giving the reader a general background on the issues related to language…

Rapid advancement in computer technology in recent years, including easy accessibility, expansion of computer networks, and diversity of applications, support the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in second language education. All secondary schools in Japan now have computers and computer instruction. Misconceptions about computers and…

The collection of papers on the teaching of English as a second language includes: "Teaching English in Japan"; "Reading and Evaluating Quantitative Research"; "Transformational Generative Grammar and Language Teaching"; "Process and Social Aspects of Writing: Theory and Classroom Application";…

A bibliography on intercultural nonverbal communication contains citations of interest primarily to Japanese teachers of English as a second language. Citations are organized in these categories: general information; chronemics; proxemics; personal space and territory; physical appearance and clothes; kinesics (posture and gestures); tactile…

Instructional techniques used for college-level English-as-a-Second-Language instruction using newspapers are described. The techniques begin with a class discussion of how reading newspapers can be useful to students of English, introduction of the English newspapers available locally (in this case, in Japan), and advice on getting started…

A teacher of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) reading courses at Doshisha University (Japan) describes classroom techniques and activities involving use of the computer and assesses the benefits, difficulties, and instructional results. Data are drawn from two ESL classes using computer-based instruction (CBI) offered in 1 year. The primary…

After tests are administered, they are scored and the scores are given back to the students. If the real purpose of the test is to improve student learning, simply returning the scores is not sufficient. The first step in evaluating test results is to be sure that the test has tested the intended concepts and content. Calculating the mean and the…

This article details some of the many ways to use the Internet in the English-as-a-Second-Language classroom for both students and teachers. The Internet can be used for gathering information for use in class time planning, for finding teacher-related information, and for exchanging information with other teachers. Complete texts of newsletters…

This article discusses briefly the use of the Internet and World Wide Web as sources of information for teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL), describes a directory of related World Wide Web resources, outlines some suggested uses of the resources, and presents the directory. Citations are presented in seven sections: general…

Although testing language has traditionally taken the form of testing knowledge about language, the idea of testing communicative competence is becoming recognized as being of great importance in second language learning. Communicative language tests are intended to be a measure of how the testees are able to use language in real life situations.…

The Internet is a resource that allows English as a Second Language (ESL) students to communicate meaningfully in English. One way to combine the Internet with teaching English is to give students a group or individual assignment to make their own Web pages. As they complete these assignments, they can develop skills in searching out resources on…

It is sometimes difficult to motivate Japanese students to learn English because it is not connected with their everyday life or interests. One method found to be effective at the college level in Japan is to teach students about other cultures in English by preparing slide programs with narration, vocabulary lists, and exercises, supported by…

A project to develop English reading texts for Japanese college students is described. Goals were to develop materials that will: (1) give students information about the United States, (2) interest students in reading English, (3) help students improve their reading skills, and (4) expose students to a variety of literary forms. Fifty important…