In his critique of the Huffman (2014) article, McLean (2016) undertakes an important reflective exercise that is too often missing in the field of second language acquisition and in the social sciences in general: questioning whether the claims made by researchers are warranted by their results. In this article, Jeffrey Huffman says that McLean…

In this response to Sakurai, Meredith Stephens agrees that Sakurai (2015) raises an important issue of which native English speaking teachers may be unaware; Japanese learners of English typically translate into Japanese while reading English. Sakurai explained, "It is speculated that Japanese students naturally translate English into…

The paper "The influence of translation on reading amount, proficiency, and speed in extensive reading" (Sakurai, 2015) outlined the first six years of the official English education system and policy in Japan. It then discussed the efficacy of extensive reading (ER) followed by a distinction between reading and translation. Previous…

Stuart McLean refers in this commentary to Jeffrey Huffman's article "Reading Rate Gains during a One-Semester Extensive Reading Course" (v26 n2 p17-33 Oct 2014) [See: EJ1044344], in which Huffman reports that extensive reading (ER) was an effective way to provide large amounts of comprehensible input to foreign language learners, but…

The suggestopedic method of teaching, especially the Suggestive Accelerative Learning Technique (SALT), is explained in detail. Its use in a summer intensive language course is illustrated. The importance of removing impediments to the learning process is stressed. (SK)

Focuses on the teaching of French-as-a-Second-Language in Holland. The following questions are discussed: (1) Can an intensive teaching method be used in a nonintensive setting? (2) Can learning be accelerated (i.e., can two years be taught in one). (SBR)

Calls for reexamination of English courses, as to content, organization, and procedures. Adds a report of experience with language workrooms at "general education schools" in Bremen, and some suggestions regarding intensive courses. (IFS/WGA)

A discussion of computer software evaluation for second-language instruction concludes that it is important to match the purpose of the software with the teacher's goals, have good instructions, receive clear and appropriate feedback, and promote productive interaction with the student. (11 references) (MSE)

Roles and responsibilities of intensive English program (IEP) administrators are discussed. A dozen suggestions for enhancing effective relationships with senior-level administrators and for developing faculty development programs are offered. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)

Research on Arizona State University's intensive English program indicates that the majority of students learned about it through family, relatives, or friends in the local community, not through its extensive overseas recruiting techniques or electronic technology. Local recruiting strategies include local English media features and advertising,…

Reviews research on the time factor in language pedagogy and on the relationship between time and other factors such as age, aptitude, previous language learning experience, and the total curriculum. Discusses the advantages of compact courses and outlines steps to be taken to implement them successfully. (SED)

Discusses the language teaching situation on the secondary level in West Germany, and reforms aimed at improving the possibilities of studying languages other than English. (AM)

Describes a new reading and writing intensive course developed for college level intermediate German. Discusses reasons for developing such a course, its theoretical underpinnings, course content, teaching methodology, and assessment mechanisms. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the question of separate incorporation versus Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) control of the Commission of Intensive English Program Accreditation. (Author/VWL)

Suggests abandoning the inequitable practice of requiring language-minority and international students to demonstrate English proficiency before pursuing a U.S. college degree. Proposes a model that incorporates multilingual student recruitment, use of sheltered techniques and supported academic instruction, English for academic purposes (rather…