A teaching technique is described in which each student is presented with a written clue from a mystery story which is pertinent to the solution of the mystery. Sustained student interaction is required. This joint problem-solving endeavor requires students to use both oral and written linguistic skills. (Author/RM)

Presents a sequence of activities to teach reading strategies and describes the steps that classroom teachers should carry out for its implementation. Offers suggestions derived from the authors' experiences with the activities described and discusses methods for the assessment of students' discrete and global skills. (Author/MES)

Novice second-language learners can understand and benefit from authentic reading and listening language texts that are not typically introduced until students have intermediate or advanced language skills. Early exposure to such texts can help learners develop useful listening strategies for more complex tasks. (Author/CB)

Explores several areas related to the development of reading skills in the Business Foreign Language course, including pre-reading activities, schema theory, the importance of background knowledge, and post-reading activities, and presents examples of how such activities as reading periodicals in the second language can enhance learning.…

Deals with an experimental approach to reading in which the assigned text is supplemented by tapes and mimeographed sheets to provide a multi-skill format. (Author)

Presents the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages' guidelines for determining proficiency in writing, speaking, listening, and reading Arabic. Definitions for both generic and Arabic proficiency skills are provided for low-, mid-, or high-novice, -intermediate, and -advanced levels. (CB)

Comments on the fact that reading skills are neglected in foreign language instruction and outlines the goals of reading instruction, based on an analysis of the reading process. Considering reading as problem-solving behavior, learning strategies are suggested. The active role of the teacher and the need for appropriate materials are stressed.…

Reviews research findings as they relate to the acquisition of reading skills (in the first and second language) by majority-group school children participating in early immersion programs. (Author)

Presents the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language Chinese Proficiency Guidelines, detailing stages of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. (CB)

Reacts to Michael Canale's paper, "Considerations in the Testing of Reading and Listening Proficiency," concentrating on three areas: (1) the nature of the receptive skills and the requirements of a valid instrument to measure them, (2) the design features that are consistent with his test design principles, and (3) adaptive testing…

The long-range objectives of ESL in bilingual/bicultural programs include: 1) writing acceptable prose; 2) reading English acceptably; 3) competence in grammatical analysis; 4) competence in verbal persuasion; 5) competence in skills of a coordinate bilingual; 6) functional comprehension of both cultures and 7) use of language variety. (CHK)

A Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) program provides a way to upgrade reading instruction by stressing self-selection, independent practice, and the use of reading as a communication tool. Guidelines are offered for setting up SSR programs, a resource library, and scheduling SSR periods. (Author/SW)

Presents a strategy for using an expanded version of Total Physical Response (TPR) as one tool for teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Variations of TPR are suggested for the purpose of implementing the technique within the foreign language curriculum. (Author/CB)

Discusses the use of writing assignments to improve the capacity of literature students to read and analyze assigned texts in the foreign language. The approach provides a higher level of motivation for self-correction that will enable students to overcome, rather than formalize, their errors. (Author/JL)