weighting^1 n
in testing, the relative importance of different skills and language which is
assigned in the assessment process.
weighting^2 n
also weighted scoring
(in testing) determining the number of points to be given to correct
responses in a test, when not all of the responses in a test receive the same
number of points. Such a scoringprocedure is known as weighted scoring.
Wernicke’s area n
an area in the posterior section of the left (or dominant) cerebral hemi-
sphere of the brain that is associated primarily with the perception and
language processing of spoken words.
whole-group instruction n
instruction in which an entire class is taught together rather than in groups.
see also grouping
whole language approach n
also integrated whole language approach
an approach to first language reading and writing instruction that has been
extended to middle and secondary school levels and to the teaching of ESL
and that views language as a “whole” entity. Whole language emphasizes
learning to read and write naturally with a focus on real communication
and is opposed to the idea of teaching the separate components of language
(e.g. grammar, vocabulary, word recognition, phonics) in isolation. Principles
of whole language include:
1 Language is presented as a whole and not as isolated pieces. The
approach is thus holisticrather than atomistic, attempts to teach language
in real contexts and situations, and emphasizes the purposes for which
language is used.
2 Learning activities move from whole to part, rather than from part to
whole. For example, students might read a whole article rather than part
of it or an adapted version of it.
3 All four modes of language are used, thus lessons include all four skills of
listening, speaking, reading and writing, rather than a single skill.
4 Language is learned through social interaction with others, hence students
often work in pairs or groups instead of individually.
whole-word method n
also word method, sight method
whole-word method