In the UK, Latin is often seen as an elitist subject taught largely at fee-paying schools. Over the past generation, however, great strides have been made in opening up the subject to students from all backgrounds. A major hindrance to widening access to Latin at university level is that the language can often prove challenging for students. Data…

This study attempted to investigate the ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom learning environment and student background characteristics to predict student persistence in EFL learning. The study also aimed to investigate whether the associations between learning environment characteristics and persistence varied by several…

This article discusses principles involved in developing course materials for technology-mediated Chinese language learning, with examples from a new course designed to take into account the needs of distance and independent learners. Which learning environment is most efficient for a given learning activity needs to be carefully considered. It…

This article presents a case study focused on the pedagogy of nine English language teachers' pedagogy in Ecuador. The significance of this study is its potential to inform practitioners, teacher educators, and policymakers in countries where teachers need to be prepared to teach in multilingual settings, such as Ecuador. Data analyses of nine…

The present paper addresses children's participation through pedagogical structuring in an early childcare programme in Australia. Research shows inequality in participatory opportunities depending on skills in the spoken (majority) language. Against this background, the focus in the present study is on participatory opportunities for toddlers…

The role of learner autonomy and self-regulated learning in distance education has received much attention. The application of these concepts impacts course design and, potentially, learner achievement. In the case of distance language learning, course designers must consider not only how to help learners gain communicative competence but also…

Describes a systematic approach to designing and improving foreign languages courses based on a model of course design. Suggests that the strength of systematically following a model is that the important things are not overlooked. (Author/VWL)

Argues that a social and support services network must be conjoined with Indochinese ESL programs to facilitate language training and overall resettlement. Survival, prevocational, and occupation-related language goals of the refugees must be addressed if they are to remain effectively involved in ESL programs. (EKN)

Examines the extent to which linguistic descriptions can adequately account for their reality for learners and provide a reference point for the design of language courses. Special concern is focused on second language learners as a particular kind of language user. (Author/VWL)

Describes a one-year experiment in self-directed learning for intermediate English students at the School of Mining Engineering of Nancy (France). Analyzes students' responses to a questionnaire and teachers' observations in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach as compared to traditional second language courses. (MES)

Calls for reexamination of English courses, as to content, organization, and procedures. Adds a report of experience with language workrooms at "general education schools" in Bremen, and some suggestions regarding intensive courses. (IFS/WGA)

The teaching of modern literature using film versions of the works studied is examined, and a special course that was organized around this concept is described. Results of the course are discussed, and suggestions are made for how to use film in general literature courses and other contexts. (12 references) (JL)

Reviews recent literature in second language acquisition (particularly concerning Krashen's Input Hypothesis) and in English for specific purposes (ESP) to find a firm theoretical basis for the development of communicative approaches to language teaching in ESP contexts. Tries to define the characteristics of noninterference/input strategies that…

Attempts to clarify the role of grammar in second-language instruction. It is suggested that changes in language teaching have encouraged the view that grammar is one of several dimensions along which learners need to progress to achieve greater proficiency but that it should not be dominant. (22 references) (CK)

The traditional secondary school language program with a sequential four-level format is being questioned; an alternative is a series of mini-courses elected by students after the second level of language study. Such courses are topic-oriented and may cover any field, from everyday conversation and journalism to an overview of literature or…