Argues against a unidirectional model of foreign language learning whereby only theories and hypotheses generated from second language acquisition (SLA) research influence language teaching and classroom practice. Suggests that the voices of developing practitioners can shed new light on the question of focus on form versus focus on meaning.…

Literary hypertext has often been acknowledged as the embodiment of poststructuralist literary theory (e.g. Coover, 1992; Landow, 1997; Bolter, 2001). The only literary medium that is produced, edited, published and received electronically, it encourages readings that defy the conventionally linear decoding process. With respect to text…

This chapter reports on a study--referred to as the reflection study--took place within the department of foreign languages at the University of Toledo. The study sought to engage in a collaborative action research project with volunteer graduate teaching assistants. The students were to select an aspect of their teaching, determine goals in…

It is observed that teacher motivation can change drastically over the course of an individual teacher's career. This is particularly the case in Mexico with regard to teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), because the situation and role of Mexican EFL teachers has changed so significantly--especially in the wake of the passage of the…

Describes support given to Israeli teachers and several students who could not keep up in an advanced English-as-a-Second Language classroom. A special program allowed the teacher to meet with them two extra hours per week immediately before class. As students' motivation to learn increased, they began completing their homework, improving…

Looks at Chinese learners in New Zealand to investigate the negative effects of anxiety on linguistic performance. Particular focus is on a kind of anxiety that has come to be known as communication apprehension. Discusses an action research project conducted in a high school that shows sources of communication anxiety. (Author/VWL)

This action research case study examined how to handle error correction. Based on an action research cycle that incorporated related second language acquisition studies into the planning stage, the project focused on teacher behaviors and motivations in corrective feedback, including how feedback was given and perceived. Results indicate how…

Foreign language (FL) teachers, like most other teachers, are increasingly likely to experience conflict in their classrooms, which makes language teaching--an enormously complex process--yet more demanding. FL teachers need to know practical approaches to conflict prevention and resolution that are compatible with effective learning, but they…

Discusses two types of research conducted in intensive English programs (IEPs): (1) assigned research, which examines program-wide issues and is often assigned to faculty members by program administrators; and (2) action research, which is research conducted by classroom teachers for the purpose of improving the learning environment. (nine…

Argues that one method of successfully raising learners' awareness of the sociocultural rules of speaking a foreign language is to invite them to become researchers of that language. Concludes that while the acquisition of pragmatic competence is a slow process, appropriate activities enhance the learners' chances for academic, professional, and…

Language teachers in the Ukrainian community undertook a complex literacy initiative to investigate and improve Ukrainian-English bilingualism/biliteracy in Western Canada and throughout the diaspora. Documents project activities over several years, presents findings of student/teacher needs assessments, shares the approach to reading and reveals…

Describes an on-going action research project in which information and communication technology (ICT) is being employed to equip students with the tools for autonomous learning. Results of surveys given to determine previous experience and attitudes towards ICT and language learning--both before and after intervention--are reported. (Author/VWL)

This document begins with a summary of the Online Action Research (OAR) project, which had the following objectives: (1) examine the effectiveness of instructional approaches and classroom practices in adult basic education (ABE) and adult English as a Second Language (ESL); (2) use a variety of assessment strategies to determine literacy outcomes…

The International English Training for Adults Program is an intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) program for foreign students. Students in the program take 18 hours of classes per week, including Conversation Partners, a 3-hour course designed to give students an opportunity to practice using English with Americans in a structured,…

Reports on an action research project that involved strategy training for several groups of first-year undergraduate students at the University of Hong Kong. The strategy training was used to experiment with ways of making students more active participants in their language learning. (Author/CK)