This study reflects a social constructivist theoretical framework in which the zone of proximal development (ZPD) is a central element, as two teaching approaches, communicative language teaching (CLT) and explicit focus on form (FonF) are examined. Research questions include: Are CLT and explicit FonF conducive to reaching the ZPD? Is there a…

This book, written in an informal dialogue style, develops the thesis that of all the significant forms of art and communication, language alone has remained bound by an outdated, rigid structure--"command grammar"--that inhibits thought and expression. The book explains how language may be freed through use of Neo-Narrative, an "open structure"…

Discusses the five studies conducted to date on the relationship between formal grammar instruction and student writing skills, concluding that new studies need to be done and the old studies need to be duplicated. (DD)

Presents a response refuting Leonard Moskovit's essay on the use and misuse of the referent "this," arguing that his analysis of 28 examples and resulting principles for evaluating broad referents are in error. Includes Moskovit's defense of his essay. (HTH)

Learning disabled students can perform tasks to understand seven "metagrammars," organizational structures in writing: (1) narration, (2) chronology, (3) location, (4) analogy, (5) origin, (6) taxonomy, and (7) description. Charts can sensitize students to the various types of organizations. (CL)

Attempts to show how the new rhetoric does not partake of the error that deceived the linguists who tried to use their subject to teach writing and how it comprehends its own grammar of pedagogy. (Author)

The classroom practices discussed in "Effective Second Language Writing" reflect various trends and methodologies; however, the underlying theme in this volume of the Classroom Practice Series is the need for clear and meaningful communication between ESL writers and their readers. While approaches differ, two core beliefs are constant: ESL…

A method of grammar-guided writing has been devised to guide graphic sign users through the construction of text messages for use in e-mail and other applications with a remote receiver. The purpose is to promote morphologically and syntactically correct sentences. The available grammatical structures in grammar-guided writing are the highest…

Business professionals and instructors often view writing skills as one of the most important qualifications that employees should possess. However, many business employees, including recent college graduates, have serious writing deficiencies, especially in their ability to use standard English. As a result, American businesses spend billions of…

Missing apostrophes, misplaced apostrophes, and unnecessary apostrophes are all common occurrences in many forms of written American English. The fact is there is no adequate explanation--in traditional grammar or in any other grammar--that accounts for all the functions and transformations that grammarians have crowded under the heading of the…

This textbook provides the foundation for an elementary English course that combines grammar and composition. It is especially useful for ungraded schools. This book is an attempt to bring the subject of language home to children at the age when knowledge is acquired in an objective way, by practice and habit, rather than by the study of rules and…

THIS STUDY WAS SET UP TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING PROGRAMED MATERIAL IN SPELLING, DICTION, AND SENTENCE ARRANGEMENT AND PARAGRAPH COHERENCE FOR (1) IMPROVEMENT IN THE LANGUAGE HABITS OF THREE TYPES OF STUDENTS AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY AND (2) ECONOMY IN TIME AND PERSONNEL REQUIRED FOR INSTRUCTION OF THESE STUDENTS. ONE EXPERIMENTAL…

Describes some rules which might form the six-part framework for the grammar component of a composition course. (DD)

Describes what students' think a failing paper reveals about their writing ability. (DD)

Discusses common errors made by native French speakers in spelling and grammar. (AM)