This study presents a synthesis of major dimensions of the second language teaching-learning process. The first four chapters survey some factors which are considered important in this process and examine what is known and unknown about each one. Subsequent chapters deal with the following problems: (1) language learners' errors, (2)…

A study of two groups of students at Sacramento City College (California) was undertaken in Fall, 1978, to determine whether the holistic approach to the teaching of basic writing (involving the techniques of free writing, writing from stimulus words, and controlled composition) could result in more significant gains in fluency and reduction of…

Originally presented at a symposium on cognition and written language, the 14 papers in this collection discuss research findings regarding reading and writing processes, ways that the development of effective reading and writing can be abetted by instruction, and research needs in the area of cognition and written language. The papers focus on…

These suggested teaching practices for the junior high school are in the form of reprinted journal articles and special reports from classroom teachers. Ideas for teaching composition deal specifically with descriptive, narrative, and creative writing; helping students develop their imaginations; assigning topics for compositions; and evaluating…

Creativity and its development in students through creative English programs are the subjects of this report from the Dartmouth Seminar. David Holbrook's paper, "Creativity in the English Programme," maintains that English should be taught creatively to enhance the child's capacity to deal with his inner and outer experiences and to help…

Because of changing attitudes toward culture, language, and the individual student, marked changes in the attitudes of English teachers toward teaching have occurred in Britain during the last 12 years. "Culture" as a set of acceptable things to do and say has given way to a concept which stresses the ability to respond personally to the…

This guide is intended to assist curriculum committees and instructors by defining some existing problems in language arts curricula (K-12) and by offering insights into a few major curricula in use around the country. Sections deal with (1) reasons for and methods of effecting curriculum change, (2) requirements to be made of students, (3) the…

Chapter 1 in this teacher's guide to the teaching of reading to non-English speakers presents an overview of the pre-reading level and makes suggestions to teachers who are preparing pupils for beginning reading instruction. Chapter 2 defines the relationship between oral and written language, gives some of the learning theories which apply to…

Twenty-five articles describing techniques for teaching English are organized under four headings: language, literature, composition, and miscellany. Included in the language section are discussions of an oral language program for 3- to 5-year-old disadvantaged children, of language development through creative dramatics, of a junior high school…

This assessment of the current state of preparation of teachers of composition points out deficiencies in programs and suggests ways to improve them. It defines composition as both oral and written discourse; describes the actual job of teaching composition; defends John Dixon's thesis that experience should be the focus for teaching composition;…

This article summarizes major research in the teaching and learning of written composition from the elementary grades through college. The research is discussed under the following headings: (1) "History to 1900," (2) "Objectives and Curriculum: 1900-1935," (3) "Influences on the Curriculum: 1935-1965," (4) "Difficulties in Research," (5)…

This book suggests that first graders could express themselves on paper more easily and naturally if they were taught the Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.). The chapters take up (1) the neglect of writing skills in a reading-oriented nation, (2) a comparison of the writing performance of students who learned the i.t.a. with that of students who…

A desirable approach and sequence for the presentation of rhetorical principles to students of junior high school age is outlined. Principles of invention, logical ordering, strategy, and style are discussed with special reference to writing models, developing skills of observation, audience consideration, and precise diction. Specific objectives…

This book, the third publication in a monograph series on language study, examines principles, techniques, and procedures of teaching English as a second language. Serving as a handbook for teachers primarily in the Republic of the Philippines, the work combines both theory and practice. Chapters on presenting English structure, pattern practice…

The Specialized Language Activities Program (ESEA Title 3 Project) to motivate students to improve their oral language was conducted in an essentially rural section of Maine with an experimental group and a control group of 80 ninth-grade students with an I.Q. range of 85-100 and poor language usage. Sixty-seven percent of them had repeated at…