This volume contains suggested curriculum guidelines for an effective bilingual program, with specific focus on Spanish language skills for the second grade level. The philosophy of the program views bilingual education as a vehicle and pedagogical tool to be used to better prepare all children to function in society. The point of departure for…

It is hypothesized that free, spontaneous interaction cannot be easily attained in language courses which are rigid and mechanical. For this reason, the author urges the development of instructional materials which facilitate a smooth and natural transition from "skill-getting" to "skill-using." Discussion of Jerome Bruner's theory of language…

This article discusses the factors related to successful achievement on advanced placement tests in French, and reports evidence showing that students with a bilingual home environment or having lived abroad, do better than students simply exposed to language instruction in American schools. (CLK)

Discusses the process of native language learning and explores the relationship between it and second language learning. It is suggested that in a language curriculum, the initial emphasis should be on receptive skills. Accuracy, appropriateness, and fluency in communication are discussed, as well as instructional modes for training in these…

Explains the difficulties teachers of French as a Second Language face in improving their knowledge of French language and culture. The article provides suggestions on how to improve the teachers' knowledge base and appeals to all Canadian provinces to share information on the inservicing available so that a master list of upgrading courses can be…

The admirable ideal of "total" immersion in a foreign culture privileges students who plan early on for foreign study, establish early language fluency and elect majors and activities that make it easier to leave campus. Other students often find that they lack the language skills to qualify for many foreign programs or are unable to reconcile…

The study had among its objectives (1) the determination of rural-urban differences in the use of Spanish and English by household heads and Spanish American children of these households, and (2) the relationships between language used by Spanish American household heads and selected socioeconomic factors. It was found that use of Spanish…

This research report is concerned with establishing a minimum vocabulary of English instruction for French students at the secondary level. The approach to the investigation is based on choosing vocabulary that corresponds to the current communication needs of the students, has functional content, and takes the spoken language into account. The…

Even though modern methods of teaching emphasize listening and speaking, seldom are students of English tested in a standardized way on their ability to communicate through these skills. Many people learn to communicate well enough to conduct daily affairs in a new language, yet are unable to read, write, or speak any educated form of it. They are…

This paper describes the development of materials to test English language skills and discusses some of the procedures and rationale which were employed in that development. The materials were designed for use in the New Canadian Study (1967-68), which was concerned primarily with the school success of students who learned English as a second…

This case study examines the cross-cultural learning experiences of two Chinese students at a major university in the Eastern United States. The study participants were a graduate student and his wife, both of whom had graduated from prestigious Chinese universities. At the time of the study, they had been in the United States for less than two…

Language qualifications and graduates are likely to be in demand in the 1990s and in the future. In response to this demand, this book provides information and advice to sixth formers (British students aged 16 or more) who wish to extend their study of languages and to equip themselves with marketable linguistic skills. The book will also provide…

This paper reports on the relationship between English language fluency and reading achievement in California sixth grade students. The interaction between fluency and social class was examined. This interaction was found to be similar for students who spoke English only and for Spanish speakers who were fluent in English. It was diminished for…

A copy of the Zip Test, designed to determine quickly the grade placement of a migrant child in reading and math and to assess his English language facility, is presented. The purpose of the test is to locate the instructional level at which the child can effectively use mathematics and reading books and to indicate his ability to conceptualize…

If the non-native teacher of English as a foreign language hopes to approach a high standard of oral competence in the language, he must cultivate some conscious perception and control of intonation. He can achieve this objective in various ways. Situations in which natural speech occurs would be ideal but few teachers have the opportunity for…