Techniques and lesson types used in foreign language courseware on the PLATO IV system at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign are outlined. The emphasis is on developing reading, writing, and listening skills to the extent possible on a computer, and on using existing courseware to develop new techniques and materials. (Author/MSE)

Issues in the foreign language placement of college students are discussed: the necessity of a placement test for all incoming students, selection of such a test from the available options, decline of student performance in the last 20 years, and articulation courses from high school to college. (MSE)

Optional interdisciplinary courses taught by foreign language teachers to college sophomores are described. The courses are English Word Power, Classical Mythology, Afro-French Literature in Translation, and two courses in law in literature. The emphasis was on integrating a humanities concept with a foreign language-foreign culture orientation.…

Describes pedagogical experiment with emphasis on the student and his/her specific needs and motivations. Involves self- and group work with teacher support. Individual work alternates with group work, focusing on production of a project or task corresponding to objectives defined by members of group. (Author/BK)

Reports findings and progress of efforts to educate American students in international languages and cultural studies. Recommends: (1) special programs for teachers; (2) state and federal funding and support for international studies and programs; (3) use of special schools for national models; and (4) required courses in international education…

St. Anselm College's new core humanities program includes as a language requirement a special culture and civilization segment. The Native Speaker Program is described. Students meet once a week with native speakers. The textbooks contain magazine articles from the countries under study. (MLW)

Specific French teaching curriculum goals are suggested for grades 3-5. Several classroom games are presented for motivating students and encouraging use of new structures and vocabulary. Five evaluation techniques are presented; activities for each grade are discussed. (CHK)

A French writing workshop used at the university level in Japan to enhance French language instruction is described. The exercises, in which students write Haiku and minimalist poetry in French, stress such aspects of language use as associations, connotations, and creative word use. Several exercise types are described. (MSE)

Overviews the numbers and kinds of students taking college-level Japanese courses currently, their motivations and challenges, and some of the ways in which Japanese is different from the more commonly taught languages. Notes that for the first time in United States history the study of a language outside the Indo-European family, i.e., Japanese…

As in other countries, German Studies in Canada is facing an existential crisis. Because of the changes in this discipline, one must seriously think in Canada as well about how it can and should go forward. Discusses aspects of the "German Studies Program," which offers an alternative and which has been introduced in the last four years…

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of various English language acquisition programs that are used to speed refugees' transition into Canadian society. The study focuses specifically on those refugees who qualify for federal government settlement assistance and reside in St. John's, Newfoundland. (eight references) (GLR)

A comparative study examined the influence of overseas experience on how learners put their second-language knowledge to use during communication, and how they compensate for gaps in their knowledge. Results do not suggest a strong dichotomy between language learning in the classroom and abroad or between grammar and oral proficiency. (20…

Decries the emphasis in foreign language curricula on rapid attainment of speaking skills. Advocates eliminating formal speaking exercises and focusing on reading and writing skills, with intensive English grammar review at regular intervals, for the first two years of foreign language training. (SR)

A month-long experiment simulated a piece of genuine academic research for a multinational group of English as a second language students in a study skills course in England. A description of the experiment includes students' day-to-day progress, a brief evaluation of the program, and changes required in teacher-learner roles and in learner…

Offers some insights for college language department chairs regarding effective teaching strategies. The Maturiry and Leadership Scales of Hersey, Blanchard, and Hambleton teach faculty to use management skills at four levels (tell, sell, participate, and delegate) according to students' maturity levels. (CB)