Reports on a study of the role of pupil age in scholastic performance among 4,123 Maltese primary-age students. Finds a strong and consistent age effect in Maltese, English, and mathematics achievement in three grade levels. Also finds that girls consistently outperformed boys in the three subjects. (CFR)

Development of language awareness programs at the elementary and early secondary levels requires teacher willingness, coherent policy and guidelines for selecting methods and content, and teacher awareness and acceptance of the policies and guidelines and their practical potential. Studies suggest that in Great Britain, the first three…

This issue presents an overview of research in computer-based language instruction using the PLATO IV computer system. The following articles are presented: (1) "Language Study and the PLATO system," by R. Hart; (2) "Reflections on the Use of Computers in Second-Language Acquisition," by F. Marty; (3) "Computer-Based…

Based on the work of 11 women and men from the Commission on Writing formed by the Council for Basic Education, this book concerns the necessity and rewards of learning to write. The book stresses teaching and learning writing in the English class, but it also views writing activities as parts of general education. Considering the unsatisfactory…

After reviewing the importance of understanding tracking in terms of academic achievement and educational inequality, this paper describes a study that explored the day to day educational experiences of students in tracked classes and in heterogeneously grouped classes. The investigation focused on curricular content, instructional practices, and…

Criticizes the "effective teaching" movement and offers principles of effective teaching that research has shown to improve the practices of ineffective teachers. (SRT)

Information on current trends and issues informally discussed and then delineated by the directors of six National Council of Teachers of English commissions, is presented in this 15th annual report. The commissions and their directors are: (1) Commission on Composition (Christine Kline); (2) Commission on Curriculum (Kathleen Rowlands); (3)…

Examines the connection between an English-in-the-workplace (EWP) class and the linguistic behavior of immigrant women garment factory employees. Results suggest that newly acquired English skills may be reinforcing linguistic behavior that reconstitutes traditional relations between workers and management. However, EWP does not appear to empower…

This book discusses, from a British perspective, the ways in which higher education, and particularly the teaching of undergraduates, responds to the influences of the environment of which the labor market is a major element. It is based on studies made between 1984 and 1987 of 49 departments in nine higher education institutions: four…

Noting that although learning disabled (LD) students are attending college in increasing numbers there are few specific course strategies for helping these students (except for adaptations of existing programs and emphasis on elementary or secondary students), this paper reviews resources on a variety of topics as they relate to LD students. Among…

Language learning is complex and mysterious--because of the many diverse factors that affect its development and because of the many unanswered questions about its nature. Even so, the efforts of countless researchers have provided sufficient knowledge to prompt some recommendations about how adults may nurture the language and literacy…

ACT conducts the only nationwide curriculum survey that empirically identifies current instructional practices and postsecondary expectations in order to develop tests that measure critical skills and knowledge. Every three years, it surveys thousands of middle school/junior high school, secondary, and postsecondary teachers in English/writing,…

This paper draws on recent research in English classrooms on media education, offers new evidence on the forms of media education currently taught by English teachers, and attempts to connect the current English-language curriculum debate with more general concerns about values and religion in the curriculum. The project involved 11 secondary…

This 16th annual report presents information on current trends and issues informally discussed by the directors of six National Council of Teachers of English commissions. Issues discussed included the following: (1) Commission on Composition (Rick Gerhardt, director): the role of writing in literacy; computers and writing instruction;…

A review of the status of English language instruction in Kuwait begins with an overview of the role of English in the society in general, and outlines the status of English use and instruction in the educational system in secondary, higher, vocational, adult, and teacher education. Also discussed are characteristics and training of English…