To help teachers and administrators of American Sign Language (ASL) design and implement effective ASL programs, this Digest answers questions about ASL and the essential components of an ASL program, including ASL course design, methods and approaches for teaching ASL as a second language, and ASL instructional materials. (nine references) (VWL)

Describes intensive German courses at North Texas State University and gives suggestions for publicity, screening, testing, transfer to traditional course sequence, providing special help, and maintaining a positive student attitude. Positive results strengthen belief that an effective intensive program corresponding to requirements and abilities…

Presents suggestions for planning a Spanish as a second language program for preschool children. The rationale and means of implementing the program are considered, and guidelines for teaching vocabulary are discussed. A variety of classroom activities are also presented. (TR)

Discusses how the Instituto de Estudios Norteamericanos (IEN) in Barcelona, Spain has successfully met the challenge of developing an approach to teaching English that is both in step with current American methodology, yet fits the culture and logistical circumstances of an overseas program. (Author/VWL)

Experiences with family and intergenerational programs in English Second Language (ESL) literacy are reviewed, and factors that contribute to their success are discussed. It is suggested that as the notion of literacy expands, conceptual boundaries of the population of learners must expand also. While there is much to be learned from existing…

The history of French immersion instruction in Canada is reviewed, and the literature relating to that history is examined. The first chapter offers three distinct perspectives on the emergence of French immersion: (1) chronological; (2) phenomenological and pragmatic; and (3) methodological and pedagogic. Also in the first chapter, the immersion…

This teacher's guide to the Milwaukee Public Schools' Multi-Language School (foreign language immersion program) begins with a brief general description and rationale of the program. Previous experience with immersion programs at other schools is cited to answer the question, "What effect does a second language 'immersion' program have on…

This brief overview of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) points out its essential role in organizing and improving the profession and suggests that continued work is needed in terms of professional support through money and member activities. (CB)

Describes a computer-assisted instruction project used for students of German. Because the program has features built in which gives it versatility, it is beneficial to several levels of instruction in the language department and it also involves more than one faculty member in using the computer. (SL)

Discusses the development and implementation of a series of culture units for use in elementary German courses. Describes a typical unit, which consists of a set of slides with accompanying text, outlining presentation strategies and class activities. Finally, analyzes the results of a course evaluation by students. (MES)

Describes and reviews the Dutch National Action Programme (NAP) on Foreign Languages, instituted in anticipation of the demands of the 1992 Single European Market. The increasing demand for foreign languages is confirmed, some shortcomings of the current program regarding French and German language learning are identified, and recommendations for…

Discusses the integration of insider-managed baseline evaluation into project and program design in educational change processes. Drawing on examples taken from recent experiences of English language teaching projects in Central Europe and China, the benefits of using insider-managed baseline studies are outlined.(Author/VWL)

This digest discusses Language Across the Curriculum (LAC), an approach to teaching language that works with faculty in other content areas to identify the specific vocabulary and genres that students need in order to function effectively in another language in their respective disciplines. LAC also draws from the content-based approach to…

An English for Special Purposes (ESP) program, devised for students of the School of Environmental Design at the English Language Centre of King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, is described. The course is intended to be of direct relevance to students by developing their English language skills and giving them a basic professional vocabulary. A…

Describes a training program for teaching assistants designed by the Department of Germanic Languages of the University of Texas (Austin) and consisting of four interrelated phases: orientation, theoretical training, practicum and evaluation. The term "Teaching Assistants" refers to graduate students who have not earned the M.A. or lack…