International comparative curriculum research is becoming more important in a globalised world. However, up-to-date comparative studies of international foreign language education policies are still rare. This study compares current modern foreign language curricula in England with that in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia in Germany at Key…

While Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is recognised as an effective approach worldwide, its implementation in foreign language (FL) classrooms remains difficult. Earlier studies have identified factors impeding CLT implementation, such as a lack of communicative lesson materials or teachers' more traditional views on language learning. In…

Language learner strategies (LLS) have long been viewed as a variable of individual differences, or as cognitive skills. This study, focusing as it does on the data taken from a series of focus groups with 47 senior secondary students in mainland China, seeks a new interpretation of strategy development and use from a sociocultural perspective.…

Discusses an experimental project with a prelim group of students of Russian undertaken in order to incorporate various skills into the teaching environment. These skills include keyboard competence, time management, group interaction, and personal presentation. The project was a success; all participants improved in their Russian. (five…

This study identifies the characteristics in several models of curriculum design that may be appropriate in the teaching of modern foreign language students for school practice. The study concludes that no one mode is ideal and that an eclectic approach is desirable. (15 references) (CK)

Examines specific approaches to the acquisition and teaching of word, syntax, and text attack skills in foreign language (FL) classes. The role played by computers in second-language reading is considered, and a discussion of problems currently facing the teacher who wishes to allocate reading a more prominent place in the FL learning program is…

Using a questionnaire given to oral examiners working in the field, this study investigates the different perspectives that examiners bring to their assessment of conversation on a prepared topic. The oral examination studied consisted of three parts--discussing stimulus material, conversing on a prepared topic and discussing issues of personal…

Presents the results of a survey investigating foreign language needs in the legal profession. Questions in the survey focused on the foreign languages most relevant to the profession, entrance requirements regarding the level of knowledge of the foreign language, training requirements in the foreign language, and potential uses of the target…

Explores how cross-curricular themes can be integrated into the modern languages lesson. Key requirements include the need to clarify objectives, identify what can be usefully explored, introduce cultural comparisons at the appropriate time, focus on authentic reading materials, and use a basic core language and previously developed activities.…

Presents a case study of the bilingual section established in a modular business studies course taught in Spanish and designed to integrate the themes of "business" and "information studies" within a single subject. The teachers were expert in the subject studied and the language concerned, and the students had an adequate…

Presents the results of a research project involving language teachers in Italy, their use of the target language (TL) and its interrelationship with collaborative and independent learning. The investigation was conducted by asking 21 Italian teachers of English to fill in a questionnaire concerning their beliefs regarding classroom use of TL. (15…

Examines alternative A-level syllabuses of second-language courses with a view to establishing what implicit definitions and interpretations of cultural learning they embody. The article focuses on that part of course content that fosters understanding of a foreign culture as an integral part of communicative competence. Assessment objectives are…

Overviews government policy of national coordination aimed at achieving broad agreements on curriculum objectives for the General Certificate for Secondary Education and providing examinations reflecting that agreement. This article also presents the experience of teachers and examiners regarding the validity of the government's claim as to the…