Research on first language, second language, and multilingual socialization has flourished over the past three decades in many formal and informal educational contexts around the world. One relatively recent site for such research, particularly for multilingual students learning English as an additional language, is post-secondary institutions…

This study synthesizes the methods and findings of published research investigating second language (L2) learners' linguistic development in study-abroad (SA) contexts. Some studies have demonstrated that SA participation is beneficial to learners' L2 development, whereas others have not supported such a relationship. The first phase of this…

Essay tests are widely used to assess ESL/EFL learners' writing abilities for instructional, administrative, and research purposes. Relevant literature was searched to identify 70 empirical studies on ESL/EFL essay tests. The majority of these studies examined task, essay, and rater effects on essay rating and scores. Less attention has been given…

In Canada, education in French as a second language (FSL) offers students the opportunity to learn a second official language. Is such an opportunity appropriate for allophone students who are still in the process of learning English? This literature review provides a fourfold consideration of the issue. Section 1 examines the political response…

A review of contemporary research in second-language pedagogy highlights the arguments underlying three distinct rationales for multiple language acquisition: vocational opportunities, second languages in liberal education, and learning theory. (MSE)

An examination of "de facto" and "de jure" bilingualism in Canadian universities looks at the phenomenon of French immersion programs, discusses the steps universities can take to prepare for bilingual college students, and uses the case of Franco-Ontarians to demonstrate the importance of developing individual rather than…

A synthesis of research on the Franco-Ontarian school environment focuses on the maintenance of French by Franco-Ontarian students, their French language proficiency, and their native language instruction. The relevance of these issues in other French language minority settings is discussed. (MSE)

Several kinds of interference in the transfer of reading skills from the first to the second language are considered, and implications for second language classroom instruction are discussed. (MSE)

A review of the literature concerning second language program evaluation looks at definitions of program evaluation, approaches taken to it, and the purposes that evaluation has fulfilled. Use of program evaluation to educate those working in or with second-language programs is recommended. (MSE)

Considers the implications of research on intentional learning processes for the role of the second language teacher. It is recommended that teachers take on the task of helping their students refine their competence as learners. Techniques for classroom practice are suggested. (MSE)

The influence of the communicative approach in determining the direction of curriculum in English as a second language is examined at three levels (theory, materials, and implementation), revealing that the dominance of the communicative approach may be only apparent. (MSE)

The relationship between the teaching of grammar and the acquisition of communicative competence is examined, and it is concluded that, contrary to some arguments, there is a definite correlation between grammatical accuracy and efficient communication. (MSE)

Spontaneous movements in second language instruction are contrasted with instructional projects designed to address specific issues or problems. Canada's proposed National Core French Study is discussed in this context. (MSE)

Directions in second-language curriculum development in Australia are discussed in the context of three contemporary educational value systems or ideologies: classical humanism, reconstructionism, and progressivism. (MSE)

A core of courses is proposed for the training of French teachers and for the development of postgraduate studies in bilingual education: the nature of language, theories of language acquisition, and effective teaching methods. Collaborative research involving practitioners, researchers, and students will be increasingly important.(MSE)