To meet the need for a short, self-instructional, tactical language course in a Far Eastern tonal language of potential military significance, a course in Mandarin Chinese was developed by adapting the methods described in Subtask CONTACT II with reference to a European language (Russian). The purpose of the course was to enable combat soldiers to…

A program in beginning French is described in which an individualized approach to language teaching was used to achieve a high level of mastery and avoid grade bargaining by varying the time needed by students to achieve mastery. The same course structure was used to train language majors as teaching assistants. (Author/RM)

Recent developments in foreign language offerings in New York State are outlined. Exploratory programs, general language usage programs, minicourses, interdisciplinary programs, independent study programs, bilingual programs, programs beyond the classroom, and career education efforts are discussed. (RM)

Describes interactive video, compares disc- and tape-based systems, and summarizes the considerations that led to the development of the "Autotutor," an interactive video system for language learners. The process of creating interactive video learning materials is explained and its advantages to the learner are discussed. (SED)

Presents a model for testing in individualized adult programs which includes aptitude, placement, achievement, and proficiency measurements. The model calls for measurement of discrete-point knowledge as well as the communicative ability and cultural insights of students. The kind and detail of record-keeping are discussed. (Author/AMH)

Describes strategies used at Christopher Newport College to encourage enrollments in intermediate and advanced foreign language courses. The college offers language minors to students in most other majors; these minors offer individualized specialization in the student's area of interest. (RM)

Discusses the course content, methodology, architecture, role of the student, and development process of a unique videodisc self-study program to teach Russian speaking, reading, and listening skills to adults. Equivalent to a 120-hour, teacher-delivered course, the course is designed to produce speaking proficiency at the Foreign Service…

Clarifies the nature of second-language (L2) self-instruction involving the use of self-instructional broadcast materials, with particular reference to Japan, where such materials are widely used. Analysis of responses to an open-ended questionnaire administered to 138 university students reveals benefits and problems associated with this mode of…

Describes a complete, interactive, introductory German course on CD for adults. Designed for independent learning, the course emphasizes speaking and listening, though it provides a basis in reading and writing. Describes the role of contrastive grammar, proficiency-oriented teaching, the notational-functional approach, and word frequency counts…

Investigated incidental language-learning by subjects using multimedia as a self-study and mandatory component of an undergraduate module. Language items recalled and reused while subjects were engaged in a meaning-focused task were compared with those in two multimedia applications for evidence of incidental learning. Analysis compared language…

Metacognition, an awareness of one's own thought processes, plays a central role in explaining and describing the learning process. As it shapes learners' beliefs about and attitudes toward learning which in turn affect their behaviours, it directly relates to language learning and teaching as well. Thus, cautious teachers should understand and…

Designed for continued language learning beyond the beginning level, this workbook provides practice and sets of exercises for improving Romanian through reading and writing. The content areas include history, traditions, language and literature (both prose and poetry). Each unit includes several texts with exercises for use with a tutor or under…

The handbook, designed for Peace Corps volunteers but adaptable for other adult learners, offers ideas about how to improve one's own language learning through effective learning strategies. The handbook intended as a reference, not a text, for when the learner becomes discouraged with his rate of progress, is progressing well but looking for new…

A Japanese university course in English as a Second Language is described. The course focuses on developing students' independent learning skills. It consists of a series of learning modules, each focusing on a particular learning resource available to anyone in Japan. The resources recommended for independent acquisition of different language…

The 1988 issue of the journal on second language teaching and learning contains six articles in French and two in English, including: "Production orale: Comment mettre en place des strategies d'enseignment/apprentissage (Oral Production: How To Put Teaching/Learning Strategies in Place)" (Francis Carton, Richard Duda); "Trois jours pour parler…