Discusses the value of language study with respect to international relations. (AM)

Discusses problems commonly encountered by new foreign language teachers, as well as suggested solutions. Particular focus is on problems of classroom management, difficulties arising from use of the target language, shortcomings at the level of planning, and failure to relate to pupils appropriately and engage with their learning. (MDM)

This paper presents the educational method of role taking as a means of teaching communicative competence in a second language. The method calls for encouragement of student "creative work" and "coping with" the learning material. A sample lesson used in South Africa with students (ages 11-13) learning English as a Second…

Sociodramatic play, which combines role play and dramatization, is suitable for elementary and secondary language classrooms. It is learner centered and caters to varying language abilities. Children draw upon their existing experiences as the basis for their play. Teacher input is essential. The paper examines advantages and disadvantages of this…

Language teachers often do not focus on developing strategic competence among their second-language learners, though research demonstrates that language-learning strategies vary in their usefulness and applicability dependent on many variables. Teachers must develop strategic competence to enhance learners' linguistic and communicative competence.…

Describes Montessori's vision of young children as natural linguists and how home and school can support children's natural abilities in one or more languages. Presents five basic principles of second-language acquisition--related to educational environment, the acquisition process, components of proficiency, and cultural context and time--and…

Presents key questions reflecting research in first/second language acquisition and whole language principles: is curriculum organized around "big" questions?; are students involved in authentic reading and writing?; are students given choices?; is content meaningful?; do students work collaboratively?; do students read, write, speak, and listen…

This paper provides a new teaching design that addresses difficulties in listening and speaking aspects experienced by Taiwanese adults when learning English and addresses the special needs of this learning group. The design was developed to solve these learning difficulties through integration of certain aspects of three existing teaching…

This guide illustrates how 14-, 15-, and 16-year-old students can be encouraged to explore and experiment with foreign language learning, developing an increasing awareness of register and idiom and moving from simple to complex uses of language, in the British National language learning system that focuses on the target language. Examples from…

This paper discusses some of the problems that arise for students and instructors in the teaching of the linguistics of a language to students in the process of learning that language as a second language (L2). Because non-native speakers may not have reached terminal competence in the L2, the language being presented in linguistics classes as…

This paper discusses the Georgia Institute of Technology's Business German summer language course, an intensive 6-week course that utilizes classroom instruction, language labs, and computer labs. The course stresses vocabulary and discourse as commonly used in the professional context, as well as intercultural information. A major component of…

Arranged alphabetically by title, the bibliography lists 49 tests, designed for use with students ranging from preschoolers to adults, that are measures of proficiency in English as a second language. Each citation provides title, author, copyright date, age level suitability, publisher, and a brief annotation describing the purpose of the test.…

This guide to running a foreign language camp is intended to cover all aspects of camp administration and program planning. The philosophy of language camps is set forth. The chairperson's responsibilities regarding staff recruitment, staff assignments, and handling finances are outlined. Sample schedules for French, Spanish, and German camps are…

Turn-taking in language classroom discourse is analyzed in order to discover patterns of instructional teacher-pupil exchange. It is concluded that traditional modes of second language instruction (especially in English as a second language) tend to stifle student initiative. Since students rarely have the opportunity to open an exchange, it is…

The purpose of this tool kit is to provide guidance, tools, and resources that will assist communities in building culturally and linguistically competent services, supports, programs, and practices related to young children, their families. By offering services in culturally and linguistically meaningful ways, communities can engage all families…