This edited book documents practices of learning-oriented language assessment through practitioner research and research syntheses. Learning-oriented language assessment refers to language assessment strategies that capitalise on learner differences and their relationships with the learning environments. In other words, learners are placed at the…

Different regions of the world are making increasing demands for educational reform, especially when institutions are dissatisfied with the level of proficiency of their graduates. Since the realization of how important English education is to global success, reform to English education is becoming progressively vital in societies all over the…

Language teacher education is widely identified as one of the most important areas that needs addressing in order to improve early language instruction, yet research into teacher education for early language teachers remains relatively sparse. This volume responds to this gap by compiling studies with diverse methodological tenets from a wide…

Recognizing the relevance of English for Specific Purposes, this article outlines an approach for using authentic readings in a course in Engineering English. The article describes the importance of needs analysis, rhetorical focus, and reading for content; it suggests content for 15 lessons and provides a sample worksheet and other suggestions…

While the use of student performed evaluation of teaching is a topic of considerable debate, little has been written in a Japanese context. Sixteen English language teachers who work either part time, under a limited term contract, or have tenure in Japanese universities commented on a summary of common questions which had been collected from 50…

Presenting the diagnostic teaching units for grades 7, 8, and 9 social studies, this handbook is intended to be used along with the companion handbook 1, "Evaluating Students' Learning and Communication Processes: Integrating Diagnostic Evaluation and Instruction." The student activities of the diagnostic teaching units in the handbook…

Describes a recent move of scientists and university administrators in Japan to allow external peer review in an effort to convince government bureaucrats that Japan's academic research is up to world standards and therefore deserves more money. (ZWH)

Proposes a system of achievement testing for all U.S. students rather than just those who are college bound. Criticizes present achievement testing as a patchwork system that fails to provide parents with information about how much their children are learning in comparison to others. Provides a sampling of national achievement test questions from…

Fourteen conference papers on classroom techniques for second language teaching are presented, including: "Cooperative Learning at the Post-Secondary Level in Japan" (Steve McGuire, Patricia Thornton, David Kluge); "Shared Inquiry Fosters Critical Thinking Skills in EFL Students" (Carol Browning, Jerold Halvorsen, Denise…

Defines self-regulated learning as a problem-solving or goal-directed process orchestrated by the student but influenced by others in the student's environment. Discovers that self-regulating programs in Japan and the United States are remarkably similar with some differences. Praises Japanese instructors' emphasis on effort over ability. (MJP)

Lists a selection of books about the Pacific Rim area for social studies teachers who wish to add to their knowledge of the area. Includes selections on Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Describes and gives a brief critique of each book. (DK)

Providing students with the opportunity to study different cultures increases their global understanding and helps foster tolerance of cultural differences. In this lesson, grade 3-5 students read folk tales from Japan, Wales, and Africa and depict the stories visually for purposes of retelling. Students also research the countries and share a…

The 1984 volume of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) newsletter includes articles on language competence and cultural awareness in the United States; interest in English in Peru; employment trends; the case method in adult English as a second language (ESL); evaluating computer assisted instruction; the…

Describes how Japanese teachers present written language using the observations of 40 kindergarten and primary classrooms. Discusses the process in terms of classroom organization and instructional practices as well as the influences of the Japanese language and culture. Recommends effective aspects of this process and identifies those U.S.…

Elements of the Japanese educational system were examined to determine if they could be incorporated into U.S. practices. Research was reviewed in five areas, and annotations for each section were organized chronologically beginning with the most recent. The five areas covered were: (1) differences in test scores of achievement and cognitive…