Investigation of the predictive ability of motivational and attitudinal factors in high school students' continuation of foreign language study revealed that both factors, as well as grade level, course grade, interest in culture, and interest in fulfilling college entrance requirements, distinguished continuing from discontinuing students. (29…

The basic mechanical functions of the foreign language laboratory described in this report enable utilization of authentic target language, linguistically effective learning devices, visuals, and facilities for monitoring and testing. Brief descriptions of 11 laboratory functions include: (1) isolation (physical, acoustical, and psychological),…

This contrastive listing of the possibilities and problems of the language laboratory is intended for the elementary and secondary school teacher. In this article, the author emphasizes the oral nature of language and the need to treat methods, materials, and machinery as a trinity. (RL)

The leitmotif of this address, inspired by lines found in William B. Yeats'"The Second Coming", underscores the need for a greater display of solidarity of language teachers through increased participation in professional associations. The work of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is discussed and noted to be vital…

This issue of a continuing newsletter on individualizing language instruction provides discussion of how several educators have implemented individualized language programs in their school systems. Editorial comments introduce articles on: 'No-Fail' German Individualized Program at the University of California at Riverside, (2) Self-Paced…

This book summarizes a 12-year research program concerning foreign-language-learning aptitude and factors which influence academic achievement. Attention is centered on the matter of individual differences in skill with foreign languages, concentrating primarily on adolescents attempting to learn French or English. The studies carried out by…

Collected readings by noted writers in the field of language instruction develop a case for the study of foreign languages. Discussion largely focuses on the problem of the language requirement, the place of foreign languages in the curriculum, methods, philosophy, and interdisciplinary studies. Articles included are: (1) "Should Foreign Language…

This article explores the question of whether language teachers are capable of ascertaining student acquisition of grammatical rules when the lesson is taught orally. Oral fluency is seen as the foundation of the language process,and a distinction is made between productive and reproductive speech. Frequent use of examples illustrates linguistic…

This annotated bibliography for school library media specialists and teachers lists 34 recent books that encourage reading by Spanish-speaking students or others who wish to learn Spanish. Grade levels are indicated for each title, and a list of U.S. dealers for books in Spanish for children and adolescents is included. (LRW)

This implementation guide is intended to support the Grade 4 to Grade 6 portion of the Japanese Language and Culture Nine-year Program (the program of studies). It was developed primarily for teachers, yet it includes information that may be useful for administrators and other stakeholders in their efforts to plan for and implement the new Chinese…

This implementation guide is intended to support the Grade 4 to Grade 6 portion of the Ukrainian Language Arts Kindergarten to Grade 9 Program of Studies. It was developed primarily for teachers, yet it includes information that may be useful for administrators and other stakeholders in their efforts to plan for and implement the new Ukrainian…

Details of a circular distributed in November 1969 by the National Minister of Education of France proposing some controversial changes in the instruction of modern languages are reported in this paper. The principal changes allow students wider choice in determining whether to study one or more languages during the same period of time. German,…

This compilation of writings, first published in 1932, provides a historical overview of early thought concerning the nature of language and language instruction. The authors, pioneers in the field of "natural" language learning, consider language as: (1) code, (2) literature, (3) conversation, (4) communication, (5) sounds, and (6) speech. In a…

This general review of language learning theory focuses on criticism of the audiolingual method of instruction which reached its peak in the mid-1960's. Recent trends in teaching methodology, supported by linguistic theories developed by transformational-generative linguists, are examined. Various models of learning are discussed which lead to a…

Noting the present state of declining enrollment figures in foreign language education, the future of language instruction is questioned in this address. The author deplores the resultant provincialism resulting from a neoisolationist movement throughout the country in which the English language is seen as the only acceptable medium of cultural…