Basic assumptions implicit in course design for foreign languages are examined. The course must first satisfy the basic needs of the learner, later his sociolinguistic or psycholinguistic needs. Relevance of materials is looked at in terms of framework of a course, role of situational teaching, and conduct of the lesson. (SCC)

A thorough revision of present syllabus-design practices is necessary to achieve the goal of enabling the learner to use the target language with relative fluency in simulated speech transactions. Four new orientations are suggested that lead more directly to language use than do monolithic and paradigm-oriented linguistic features. (Author/RM)

Examines four ways in which English as a Second Language (ESL) programs can be organized (segregation, immersion, limited ESL assistance, and bilingual) to provide the most effective language learning and orientation opportunities for ESL students. Urges teachers to match the program to the student whenever possible.

In the study reported here, an attempt was made to measure the relative achievement of students enrolled in four intermediate-level college Spanish courses, including one of near-immersion design. Course designs differed in methods of teaching and in intensity; it was expected that these differences would be reflected in student achievement.…

Pedagogical grammar is the presentation of grammatical information for teaching purposes. Two important distinctions are relevant here: reference books versus teaching grammars programmed into a course, and generalized versus specialized grammars, (depending on the extent to which they have been designed to meet specific teaching/learning…

This paper discusses the use of the teaching unit as a means for organization in English-as-a-foreign-language classes. It lists the essential elements in the construction of such a unit: cultural topic, linguistic elements, time period, main objectives, instructional materials, focus, specific activities, intended results, evaluation techniques,…

The reports of Working Committees 1 and 2 of the 1974 Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages focus on teacher training for and implementation of student-centered foreign language programs. These two reports are divided into chapters on: (1) preservice, inservice, and self-service teacher training; (2) program implementation; (3)…

The role and training of an educational consultant who is to become an "agent for innovation" is the subject of this report. He is seen largely as guiding and evaluating externally generated innovations in language programs and aiding the generation of innovation from within the school in the same subject area. Emphasis on design and articulation…