We closely replicated Wu and Ortega (2013), who found that an elicited imitation test (EIT) reliably distinguished low-level from high-level language abilities among instructed second language (L2) learners of Mandarin Chinese. The original study sampled learners: (1) from second-level courses to represent low-level language abilities; and (2)…

Machine translation (MT) provides a seemingly accelerated alternative way to communicate in the target language (L2). A convenient service to the public, MT renders a potential disservice to language learners. In this pedagogically focused article, we show concrete and detailed examples of how language instructors can turn MT and other electronic…

This study identified the reading comprehension strategies that English-speaking college students enrolled in beginner, intermediate, and advanced Spanish language classes at a major Midwestern university in the United States used to comprehend a text in their second language. The findings suggest that readers tended to use the same comprehension…

Universities across the country are experiencing a decline in the number of undergraduates choosing to major in the humanities in general, and similar trends have been observed specifically in the study of foreign languages (FLs), cultures, and literatures. The educational and social psychological literature has explored uptake, or a student's…

This article examines the importance of visual culture with regard to its pedagogical applications in the German language classroom. I begin by outlining the benefits and concerns associated with making visual art a part of the curriculum. Next, practical ideas are presented for using paintings in beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses.…

Total enrollments (undergraduate and graduate) in languages other than English dropped by 9.2% between fall 2013 and fall 2016, as reported in the Modern Language Association's twenty-fifth language enrollment census. Despite the overall drop, there were gains in nearly half of all language programs (45.5%) that mitigate somewhat the downward…

This research presents a longitudinal study of learner uptake in a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) environment. Over the course of 3 semesters, 10 second language learners of German at a Canadian university used an online, parser-based CALL program that, for the purpose of this research, provided 2 different types of feedback of varying…

Examines content-based instruction as a possible strategy for easing students' transition from beginning to advanced foreign language courses, as well as for developing students' interest in pursuing language study beyond required courses. Content-based instruction is reviewed, four common models are outlined and compared, and research findings on…

Illustrates the pitfalls of French grammar and syntax by reproducing a student's composition, which mangles the language. Draws from similarly frustrating experiences and from a "New York Times" article entitled "The Fumble-rules of Grammar" to compile a list of "General Principles for the Improvement of Oral and Written French Expression." (MES)

Discusses problems encountered in teaching French relative pronouns and proposes norms for grammatical presentations at three levels of learning: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Selection of the relative pronouns to be taught at each level is based on an analysis of frequency lists, on students' age and aptitude, and course goals. (MES)

Describes an error-correction teaching and testing technique suitable for German grammar instruction at the intermediate and advanced level. Also, a card game which enables beginning German students to practice interrogative and imperative statements and to drill proper word placement and review vocabulary in context is described. (Author/CB)

Techniques of classroom role playing that promote student involvement and bring language to life are outlined and discussed, including principles of drama and communication, techniques of theatrical production, and group dynamics. Use is recommended in conventional introductory courses, advanced courses where communication is emphasized, and…

Offers suggestions for drawing attention to form and content in both introductory language courses and upper-division content courses. By implementing strategies for revising traditional speaking and writing tasks through "creative personalization," students can enhance critical thinking skills across the language/literature curriculum…

Reciprocal teaching, a method of teaching first language reading comprehension, is explained and three distinct applications of the method and materials in second language instruction are described. Reciprocal teaching is viewed as a three-level hierarchy of components and strategies, reflected in the organization of materials and activities. The…

Sample materials demonstrating the use of a five-step procedure for teaching reading in another language, are provided as part of an inservice program for teachers. The manual includes passages, class activities, and instructional suggestions for each step of the learning process in these languages: Mandarin Chinese (intermediate), English as a…