Introduces a technique for the presentation of new vocabulary in a situation which incorporates communicative use of language. (Author/DB)

Finds the test useful but criticizes its lack of generalizability of norms and the absence of reliability, validity, or normative information for the Spanish version. (FL)

Elaborates on the conjecture that the words used in speech and writing have a powerful effect on perceptions of what is said and written. Reviews three distinct goals of instruction that are designed to promote students' expressive vocabularies. Suggests approaches for promoting students' active use of words. (ML)

Presents an approach to vocabulary instruction that serves to increase knowledge of word definitions, to provide semantic links to words, and to promote greater facility in using words. Reviews studies associated with the "fertile vocabulary" instructional plan and discusses program results and benefits. (ML)

Reexamines two plausible explanations of why vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension are so highly correlated. Describes and analyzes the "instrumental" and "knowledge" hypotheses of word meanings. Additional positions on vocabulary instruction are also presented. (ML)

Presents a method for teaching Greek and Latin work forms to promote comprehensive knowledge and improve retention. A self-study text is used in the class (meeting one-hour weekly), with students responsible for teaching creative games which utilize the scientific vocabulary. (JM)

Reference profiles for characterizing the language abilities of elementary-grade African American students are important for assessment and instructional planning. H. K. Craig and J. A. Washington (2002) reported performance for 100 typically developing preschoolers and kindergartners on 5 traditional language measures: mean length of…

Presents ten opportunities for using comic books in the exercise of oral, listening, reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. (DD)

Comparison of the Picture Vocabulary subtest of the Test of Language Development--Primary (TOLD-P-PV) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test--Revised (PPVT-R) with first- through third-graders (N=48) revealed a strong correlation between the two receptive vocabulary measures. (CB)

This paper attempts to demonstrate that: (a) syntax is dependent on factors of cognitive and non-cognitive meaning; and (b) criteria for linguistic competence can only be fully met when full command of cognitive and non-cognitive meaning is present. Results have implications for future models of language and language acquisition. (CHK)

Two studies examined the relationship between word knowledge and reading comprehension. Subjects were college undergraduates with high and low verbal abilities as indicated by a standardized verbal aptitude test. The first study involved a multiple choice vocabulary test from which words that both groups defined correctly were selected. The…

This placement test is intended to help teachers conduct oral and literacy assessment when placing adults into English as a second language (ESL) programs. The 15-item oral assessment, which consists of three 5-item series, includes questions relating to students' backgrounds and goals that are designed to determine whether the students' English…

Since it was believed that proper instruction in basic grammar skills requires systematic treatment, a separate elective course in grammar, spelling, and vocabulary was added to the curriculum at Wichita State University. Students enrolled in beginning composition courses receive a diagnostic language skills examination, with those scoring below…

Reports a study aimed at determining the relative capacity of selected Latino student's Spanish and English to transmit an abstract and conceptual communication; 53 students from a junior high school in the southwest were asked to define 13 words taken from the revised Stanford Binet-vocabulary list in either English or Spanish. (Author/JM)

This experiment tested the hypothesis that language skills of seven- to eight-year-old children could be improved if parents were involved in the program. Three groups of 15 children were exposed to identical, single term programs. In two groups, parents worked in the classroom with the children. Findings supported the hypothesis. (AM)