This paper describes the University of South Carolina's self-paced FL program, which was designed to help overcome language program weaknesses relating chiefly to college textbooks. This program uses conventional college texts accompanied by special learning activities packets. Three self-paced programs, in Spanish, German, and French, are…

The following three beliefs about language learning are discussed: the study of languages provides rigorous training for the mind; it should lead to a more precise understanding, appreciation, and use of one's native tongue; and students should be guided to the stage where they can learn primarily through self-instruction. (SW)

Describes the concept of "hypermedia," by which readers select and link segments of text, audio, video, or other media in a way that helps them to explore and understand information. A case is made for the use of "hypermedia" in helping students learn and understand language through its provision of massive doses of…

Proposes an alternate approach to language learning for the American classroom based on notions of learner independence and community involvement. This method, in-situ exploration, utilizes native-speaking mentors and a five-step "Learning Cycle." (Author/SED)

Discusses methods by which a teacher of English as a second language in a foreign country can teach himself/herself the language of that country. Such methods include keeping a diary, studying grammar, using the mass media, and engaging native speakers in conversation whenever possible. (SED)

The most interesting and challenging aspect of studying Chinese is writing Chinese characters. Unfortunately, the learning of Chinese characters receives only marginal attention in a typical classroom. Given that vocabularies in textbooks are based on spoken language rather than the principles of character formation, and also given the pressures…

Speech delivered at the National Association of Language Laboratory Directors (NALLD) Seventh Annual Business Meeting, March 23, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (DS)

Discusses reasons for the existence of multilevel foreign language classes and methods of coping with the problems they present, including independent study, rotating levels, and split-period approaches. (JB)

An Englishwoman who had had no lessons in the Spanish language but had developed oral skills while on vacation in Spanish-speaking countries began reading Spanish newspapers and observed her reading processes. (CFM)

A self-instructional language program can offer rewarding and stimulating study to the motivated and gifted student. It provides a challenging approach to language learning and an opportunity to study a language not offered in the curriculum. Lessons are recorded on tape cassettes; lab work and tutorial sessions are used. (CHK)

Focuses on the need for self-assessment as a learning strategy for second language learning. Argues that self-assessment produces learners who are more active and focused and better placed to assess their own progress in terms of communication. Offers practical suggestions for carrying self-assessment at the secondary school and university level.…

Focuses on the development process that culminated in a successful, two-semester, weekend college elementary French course. The article outlines the challenges encountered, the characteristics of the multimedia approach chosen to meet these challenges, and the "andragogical" approach used to adapt this methodology to learner needs. (27 references)…

Normal practice in course and text book construction is to provide learners with pre-selected material chosen by the authors to illustrate a pre-determined grammar, content or teaching syllabus. This paper will discuss the effect of the reversal of this process at a pilot workshop session in which learners themselves were invited to select the…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional methodology placing primary emphasis on students solving realistic problems in a team-oriented environment. In this article, authors discuss using PBL to integrate a language for specific purposes (LSP) track into an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum as a way to prepare students for an…

The design of computer materials for self-directed language learning is discussed from two points of view: (1) adaptability or flexibility of computer materials; and (2) the potential and limitations of computer-assisted instruction for enhancing autonomous learning. Important considerations in designing flexible materials through careful…