Explores the sources of difficulties in college ESL composition. Contends that failure to strategically allocate limited attentional resources due to deficient knowledge of both language and academic discourse results in the breakdown of written communication. Emphasizes the importance of strategy training and awareness promotion in preparatory work. The presenter discusses an action research study into the use of interactive learning for reducing plagiarism among ESL writers. Findings include links between plagiarism and culture, level of proficiency, learning styles, and previous instruction regarding plagiarism.
Participants receive detailed handouts of a plagiarism roleplay and other activities.
This demonstration shows how to use the Internet meaningfully to practice and promote students' reading skills for advanced-level adult learners. Presenters review culturally relevant Web sites and a list of reading skills and strategies from which activities can be developed. Five specific Web sites are shown, along with accompanying student materials. The presenter discusses the need for providing content in conversation partner programs or conversation classes and suggests qualities of good content that supply students with information they need or would like to know, such as U.S. cultural information. Participants sample stimulating discussion topics as well as interesting tidbits of U.S. culture.