A specialist conceptualization of French-language teacher education is proposed for Western Canada where French is a minority language. The discussion addresses the philosophical basis for this approach, the three forms of French language schooling, contributions of bilingual educational methods, and program design. (MSE)

Presents a well-defined, goal-responsive curriculum model, derived from the concepts of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages, which introduces several foreign languages to middle-grade students to begin to construct a foundation for later proficiency in a foreign language and to instill greater cultural sensitivity.…

While intensive English programs have much in common with continuing education, problems of student balance, classroom management, and unique cultural pressures separate them from the mainstream of continuing education and require creative and individualized solutions. (Author/MSE)

College undergraduates and upper-level high school students are teaching Spanish, under the supervision of their foreign language teachers. The program is mutually beneficial, providing "hands on" teaching experience for the college students, while at the same time, providing an enjoyable and different learning environment for the…

There are differences between, and among, people in ethnic communities. This study seeks to provide a more nuanced snapshot of vocational education and training (VET) participation and completion rates among Arabic, Bosnian, Cantonese, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese communities. It investigates the effectiveness of English as a second language…

This report discusses the steep increases in second language activity at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC) over the past two decades. During this time span, credit language course activity has grown from 28,391 credits in 1980 to 76,608 credits in 2001. This is an increase of 48,217 credits in second language courses. Total credits grew by…

This paper offers a current overview and a commentary on the current state and future directions of research in second language learning. It begins by outlining the ways perceptions of the world influence research and teaching. It then explores the contexts in which one individual has explored learning in second languages. Then an opinion is…

Language is important in the public life of the United States because of four factors: globalization; the global diffusion of democracy and self-determination; the wave of immigration to the United States from all corners of the world; and the unique role America plays as the sole military and economic superpower. These conditions make it…

Ways in which teachers can use the guidelines set out in "Standards for Foreign Language Learning: Preparing for the 21st Century" (Standards) to design classroom instruction are discussed. The Standards document is explained, some misconceptions about it are examined, its relevance for the classroom teacher is explored, and examples are…

This paper provides an overview of Student Modeling techniques that have been employed in Intelligent Languages Tutoring Systems (ILTSs) over the past decade. It further discusses the Student Model of the English-as-a-Second-Languages (ESL) Tutor, an ILTS for ESL. The Student Model is based on student subject matter performance and provides…

A recently developed primary school German immersion program for a German community is described and its development from Canadian examples is discussed. The program is a composite of immersion, bilingual, and second language models. Early reaction is highly favorable, although the program will not be fully evaluated for a few years. (MSE)

It is suggested that, in secondary school level second-language teaching in the European Community, more effort should be made to take advantage of geographic proximity to language groups and to diversify the languages being taught and learned. Increased international exchange is urged. (MSE)

Results of three studies in the Ottawa area are reported: a study of postsecondary offerings in French for second-language speakers at four universities; a survey of first-year anglophone students at the University of Ottawa concerning future language study; and a followup of immersion graduates in the four universities. Recommendations are made.…

Describes the German by Satellite program broadcast by Oklahoma State University to small rural high schools. Outlines school costs for program participation and equipment purchases. Lists program strengths and weaknesses identified in a survey of administrators in 30 participating schools. (SV)

An interview with Wilga Rivers focuses on advances in language teaching over the last 50 years, changing student needs and teaching methods, the differential success of teaching methods, program design, student immersion, teacher training, and technological advancement in relation to language teaching. (MSE)