Describes a one-year experiment in self-directed learning for intermediate English students at the School of Mining Engineering of Nancy (France). Analyzes students' responses to a questionnaire and teachers' observations in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach as compared to traditional second language courses. (MES)

Distinguishes between text authenticity and learner authenticity. A set of guiding principles for making textually authentic materials learner authentic is suggested. A 3-week supplementary English program, which was devised for a group of Hong Kong Polytechnic students based on these principles, is described. (12 references) (Author/CK)

Argues that the cultural content of a course derives from official language policies and national educational ideology, and that cultural studies in the classroom center on a balanced relationship between foreign and native cultures and include the management of attitudes towards foreignness and the construction of a new perception of learners'…

THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION, SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION, ISSUED AN OFFICIAL POLICY STATEMENT. RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE CONCERNING (1) THE VALUES OF STUDYING A MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE, (2) THE PLACE OF MODERN FOREIGN…

Examines the significance of foreign languages for business, particularly Business Chinese, in the 1990s; its curriculum requirements; and the impact of business languages on international business. The article proposes a developmental plan for Business Chinese at the college level including goals, course materials, learning activities, and…

Presents a case study of the business Japanese program for intermediate and advanced students at the University of Utah. Notes that when offering courses in Japanese, colleges are challenged on how to cope with diversification for the purpose of study, specifically in business Japanese courses. Concludes that it is imperative that American…

Describes the components, course objectives, texts and materials, and structure and assignment of The American University's translation course, which hones students' foreign language competence through its focus on the short-term goal of attention to subtleties of meaning in the foreign language and nuance of expression in English. (CB)

DESPITE THE GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE IDEA THAT LINGUISTIC BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION ARE FIRST OF ALL SPOKEN, LANGUAGES ARE NOT ALWAYS TAUGHT ON THAT BASIS, AND CONFUSION STILL EXISTS ABOUT THE NATURE OF SPEECH AND WRITING. THE GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD WAS THE BASIC SYSTEM UNTIL WORLD WAR II, WHEN IT BECAME NECESSARY TO TRAIN MANY PEOPLE TO…

A STUDY GROUP OF ADMINISTRATORS, SUPERVISORS, AND TEACHERS FROM OHIO PUBLIC SCHOOLS COOPERATED WITH STAFF FROM THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY IN DEVELOPING THIS BULLETIN ABOUT GOOD PRACTICES IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES. THE DOCUMENT DESCRIBES, IN GENERAL TERMS, THE FEATURES OF A WELL-PLANNED,…

A SUMMARY IS GIVEN OF THE LANGUAGE TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF THE DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE, ESTABLISHED IN 1963 TO TEACH THE GLOBAL LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO U.S. MILITARY PERSONNEL AND ENGLISH TO FOREIGN ALLIED MILITARY PERSONNEL. THE REPORT DESCRIBES THE AUDIOLINGUAL METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH USED IN ITS INTENSIVE…

Identifies areas that need improvement in teaching assistant training programs in the foreign languages if graduates are to be competitive in the job market, including course design, syllabus writing and identification and statement of curriculum and course objectives; design of content courses; materials development; articulation between the…

This curriculum guide is designed for a course based on the text "ALM Russian," second edition, units 11, 12, and 13. The course focuses on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as on cultural background material. Particular emphasis is placed on developing the student's knowledge of grammar. The guide includes a…

This paper discusses the development of a syllabus for elementary-level college courses in the Japanese language, with a focus on course purpose, objectives, learning materials and resources, setting, learning activities, testing, and other considerations. It examines the characteristics of students who take elementary Japanese courses and reviews…

Describes a two-week Mexican immersion program for teachers including language instruction, homestays to enhance language and cultural development and a course focusing on the systematic exploration of how to integrate authentic materials into daily instruction. Results suggest that the program was successful in preparing teachers to meet the…

Examines differences in the discourse roles of men and women in dialogs of textbooks for teaching Greek as a foreign language to adults. Focuses on whether such sexist differences can affect negatively the pedagogical value and goals of textbook dialogs. (22 references) (CK)