Ensuring that students spend time preparing for class has always been one of the challenges of teaching. Indeed, when students are given an assignment that they are required to do before coming to the next lecture--whether it be written exercises or just studying--one wonders how often they are actually doing it. There are many ways in which…

In a surprise announcement in December 1996 in a speech at the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, the late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha said "Nigeria is resolutely launching a programme of national language training that will in a short order, permit our country to become thoroughly bilingual". General Abacha's…

The status of foreign language instruction is reviewed and guidelines are offered for taking action at all educational levels to improve foreign language instruction nationwide. Foreign language instruction has declined since the 1950's when the federal government first committed funds to improve programs and train teachers. National needs,…

Two articles address issues in the development of French and Spanish language programs in elementary schools: instructional materials and time and money factors. The information presented is drawn from experience in developing the Radford, Virginia FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program. The first article describes some aspects…

The French Immersion Program at the University of Tulsa was evaluated. Eleven students enrolled during a six-week program were compared to 20 students enrolled in a traditional program at Ohio State University. Assessment was performed using an instrument designed to measure listening, reading, and writing skills. Students in the intensive setting…

Summarizes the report on Australian language policy that begins by commenting on the purposes of language study and then examines the best age to begin learning a second language. It also discusses language teaching methodology, bilingual programs, the teaching of languages at the primary and secondary levels, and the quality of language programs.…

Describes a restructured first-year college German course which combines the essentials of the conversational and traditional grammar approaches into a program of practical language that can be mastered, not just covered. (EKN)

Describes Five Colleges, Inc., a consortium formed in 1965 by Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and the University of Massachusetts. Details how the cooperation between these institutions has been successful and describes some obstacles encountered. Focuses on the effects of the cooperation on the schools' foreign language…

Discusses the background of a successful English as a second language program for children with learning problems. Describes the student selection criteria, placement procedures, and a syllabus. (EKN)

Article presents a simple methodology for FLES teachers. (GB)

Part I, describing the Pilot Scheme for the teaching of French in primary schools in England and Wales, appeared in the January 1972 issue of Modern Language Journal". (DS)