Using "image" as a central concept, offers an interpretation of the similarities and differences between oral and written comprehension based on studies of both the associative and the generative properties of human memory. The practical consequences of this interpretation on second language teaching are listed. (SED)

Discusses the need for language-specific versions of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines, including speaking tests based on the simulated oral proficiency interview; listening/reading comprehension tests with items linked to the ACTFL guidelines and Interagency Language Roundtable skill level descriptions;…

Describes and assesses what can be achieved in the learning and testing of the receptive language skills with computer hardware now available. Provides guidelines and suggestions for the development of language learning and testing software. Defines three types of computer programs: instructional, collaborative, and facilitative. (SED)

Based on the assumption that recognizing the grammatical function of a phrase with the total sentence is an essential step in the comprehension process, theorizes that the isolation of tasks such as the recognition of "grammatical signals" needs to become a fundamental component of instructional materials. Suggests a strategy to do this. (SED)

Comments on points raised in June Phillips' paper, "Practical Implications of Recent Research in Reading." These points are: successful comprehension of any reading selection depends upon three interrelated factors; reading should be thought of in terms of stages and purposes; and teachers should use reading selections to incorporate a…

For spot-dictation purposes, song lyrics can be duplicated with blanks for the words or structures that are desirable to emphasize. Lyrics quite often have repetitious structures and vocabulary, and lend themselves to reinforcing new forms or concepts. This procedure can encourage general listening comprehension while highlighting one particular…

This article examines the effects of some of the testing procedures used in current second-language reading research on learners' performance on these tasks and suggests guidelines for developing future research instruments and classroom reading comprehension tests. (Contains 40 references.) (VWL)

Defines reading as a psycholinguistic process. Discusses research into the application of models of native language reading to the processes of second language reading which suggests that there are positive correlations between reading ability in native and target languages. Presents practical applications of this research to teaching reading in a…

Outlines strategies for teaching listening comprehension which can be adapted to foreign language programs. The initial stage is to make the students aware of the skill of listening for comprehension. Then follows strategies that demand purposeful reactions from the students, including instruction activities, command activities, personal-choice…

Maintains that massive amounts of authentic input is the only way to approach listening comprehension in a foreign language classroom. Suggests listening exercises designed to enhance students' expectancy and to teach them to extract high-information items from a natural and redundant environment. (SED)

Discusses David Wyatt's paper, "Computer-Assisted Teaching and testing of reading and Listening," focusing on the interactive computer testing of reading proficiency. Makes suggestions for the shape of an interactive diagnostic reading test and discusses software development and on-site delivery mechanisms of the tests. (SED)

Reviews recent research which suggests that promoting listening comprehension skills before focusing on oral skills results in increased language acquisition and suggest ways in which to structure classroom activities so that young students first understand before they speak. Focuses on global listening skills, following directions, introducing…

Summarizes and discusses Krashen's "input hypothesis" as presented in his "Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition." Suggests that the input hypothesis fails to account convincingly for arrested second language acquisition in an acquisition-rich environment and that it is not directly applicable to U.S. high…

Discusses some of the caveats of computer-assisted teaching of foreign languages raised in David Wyatt's paper, "Computer-Assisted Teaching and Testing of Reading and Listening." These include the limited ability of the computer to display text. Questions if the benefits of computer-assisted instruction justify the time, energy, and…

Discusses the differences in the processes used in reading in a first language and in a second language. Presents some current definitions of reading and details those principles and activities most likely to advance the comprehension process for foreign language learners. Offers a classroom plan for developing reading comprehension. (SED)