Presents an academic achievement assessment program undertaken at an English comprehensive school. The assessment had three functions: (1) to ascertain the extent to which teaching and learning objectives are being met; (2) to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses; and (3) to motivate pupils by giving them a regular sense of achievement. (CK)

Examines the changes in the literature department of modern language curriculum and assesses their significance in terms of the past and future of literature as a component of the modern languages degree. The teaching of literature is trying to serve two masters: liberal humanism and utilitarianism. (32 references) (CK)

A rationale is presented for improving the curricular design of intermediate- or advanced-level writing classes for foreign language majors. Seven practical guidelines include the following: the writing course should have its own place in the curriculum but should not stand alone as the sole undergraduate writing experience in the second language.…

Describes the aims, design, and outcomes of a modular socio-cultural, negotiated curriculum in Scientific and Technical English for non-English-speaking background science and technology students in universities or industry. This curriculum is intended to provide language and acculturation bridging programs for overseas qualified personnel. (33…

Critically reviews the sixth curriculum of the middle and high school syllabus in Korea, analyzes syllabus categories and sample sentences of the categories, identifies problems with the syllabus, and suggests reform measures for future syllabus design. (Author/VWL)

Emphasizes the importance of developing literacy skills in the elementary school if communicative competence is the goal of a fully articulated K-12 curriculum for Spanish. The vehicle necessary for developing these skills lies in curricular objectives that emphasize literacy and in teacher education programs that foster the growth of this…

Proposes, on the basis of a host of curricular factors, a stratification of foreign language programs in U.S. institutions of higher learning into two graded and curricularly distinctive phases. The initial phase would be comprised predominantly of nonmajors who enroll in beginning courses to satisfy a language requirement. The professional phase…

Defends the emphasis on aural, oral, and writing skills in the teaching of Latin in today's high schools as a means of helping students make a connection between the past and present and gain the knowledge needed to function in the next century. The article emphasizes that teachers who pursue new ways to teach Latin are reanimating interest in the…

Language departments in Britain have responded to the need for finding less costly alternatives for delivering instruction, by introducing autonomous language learning into the curriculum. This article warns that it is neither a cheap nor easy alternative, and that there are important economic, psychological, pedagogical, and practical issues to…

Describes personal construct psychology (PCP) and looks at two studies that apply to the English language teaching area. One deals with trainee teachers' perceptions of effectiveness, and the other with the curriculum. Concludes with a consideration of the value of PCP as an applied linguistic research framework. (Author/VWL)

In order to become "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion" the European Union realizes its people as the most important asset. Moreover, every human becomes a value for the whole society. It makes significant to…

This article proposes two general instructional strategies that a course designer or materials writer may use to create a second language course that makes new demands on learners, yet contains feasible learning tasks. First, course designers can manipulate task components believed to determine task difficulty, components such as input text, the…

This paper describes the development of a general model for an interdisciplinary ethnic studies curriculum and specific Czech materials by the Czech Ethnic Heritage Studies project at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The curriculum was developed for use in grades 7-14 and could be adapted for the elementary grades. It consists of…

Suggests some guidelines for planning vocational on-site English as a second language (ESL) programs, placing emphasis on building up full knowledge of the work situation and curriculum relevant to the needs of the workers. (CFM)

Content-based instruction (CBI) challenges English language educators to teach English using materials that learners encounter in their regular subject-area classes. This volume helps ESL and EFL teachers meet that challenge by providing them with creative ways to integrate English language learning with the content that students study at primary…