think aloud procedure n
a technique used in investigating learning strategies, in which learners
think aloud as they are completing a task, in order that the researcher can
discover what kinds of thinking processes or strategies they are making use
of. For example, while writing a composition, a student may record his or
her thoughts into a tape recorder during the planning, drafting, and revis-
ing of the composition. Later, the recording may be used to determine the
planning or revision processes used by the student.
see also verbal reporting
third conditional n
see conditional forms
three parameter model n
see item response theory
threshold hypothesis n
a hypothesis first proposed by Cummins which states that in learning a sec-
ond language, a certain minimum “threshold” level of proficiency must be
reached in that language before the learner can benefit from the use of the
language as a medium of instruction in school. This hypothesis is related
by Cummins to the developmental interdependence hypothesis which says
that the development of proficiency in a second language depends upon the
level of proficiency the child learner has reached in the first language at the
time when extensive exposure to the second language begins.
threshold level n
a term used by the European regional organization, The Council of Europe,
to refer to the minimal level of language proficiency which is needed to
achieve functional ability in a foreign language. It serves as an objective
for foreign language teaching. The threshold level is defined according to
the situations in which the language will be used, the activities it will be used
for, the topics to be referred to, the functions the language will be used for,
and the language forms (e.g. vocabulary and grammar) which will be
needed.
see also notional syllabus
timbre n
another term for voice quality
timed freewriting n
another term for freewriting
timed freewriting