It is maintained that if foreign language learning is included at the elementary school level, it should be done to make it possible for the large majority of the pupils to reach a certain minimum objective in secondary education. And, elementary schools must reach one common objective which is closely related to the minimum objective of secondary…

Examines the following factors, cited as important for building enrollments in a report on successful slavic language programs: (1) speaking and listening skills; (2) individual attention; (3) outreach activities; and (4) extracurricular programs. (AM)

Explains Beloit College's 10-day program, designed to interest entering freshman in study of foreign languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish) and cultures. The program was successful in teaching the basics of the foreign languages and in eliminating anxiety about the study of those…

Foreign summer language programs offer many advantages to students, but students may only receive superficial contact with the host culture and language and may be motivated only by their wish to have a memorable experience abroad. Suggestions are presented to ensure academic validity of such programs in the areas of motivation, academic credit,…

Six computer programs were used for English as a foreign language classes at Sana's University (Yemen) to stimulate whole-class activities (as opposed to small group or individualized activities commonly associated with use of computers). The software, involving spelling, repetition, spoken discourse, games, and map work, was merged into more…

Two Toronto community English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs used oral interview tests to place adults in appropriate programs. Instruments used included: Foreign Service Oral Interview; Ilyin Oral Interview; object-oriented testing; group testing; performance in authentic situations; Ontario Test of English as a Second Language; and George…

Individuals interested in becoming translators should pursue a generalist arts and science background as undergraduates and begin professional study to become translators in graduate programs. Prospective translators first need the skills and knowledge learned in a good liberal arts education before acquiring skills necessary for accurate,…

Discusses recent changes in the system, status, function, content and methodology of English teaching in Czechoslovakian elementary and secondary schools and gives a short account of the experimental evaluation of the new system in secondary grammar schools. (Author/SED)

Describes a pilot program designed to offer a curriculum for students interested in beginning the study of a foreign language as part of their preparation for international professions (engineering, business, sciences, etc.). Through interviews with representatives of international business, banking, and government agencies who have served abroad,…

Papahana Kaiapuni is a K-12 indigenous language immersion program in selected public schools in the State of Hawai'i. Instruction in Kaiapuni classrooms is conducted in the Hawaiian language. Program goals include students' development of a high level of proficiency in both Hawaiian and English. For nearly a century, policy banning the Hawaiian…

One of the challenges facing many foreign language programs today is maintaining high quality instruction despite increased enrollments and teacher shortages. One strategy for meeting this challenge is collaborative teaching. Collaborative teaching can occur in various settings and for different purposes. Studies of team-teaching have shown its…

The purpose of this hearing was to obtain the input of California citizens on federal legislation similar to 1998's California Bilingual Education ballot initiative. Present were Representatives Frank Riggs (chair), Bobby Scott, Randy Cunningham, Bob Filner, and Brian Bilbray. Offering testimony generally in support of bilingual education, or at…

Counseling pupils of high school age about foreign language programs fitted to their needs and abilities is somewhat more difficult than in the past, both because the objectives are different and because a thoroughgoing revision of language instruction is taking place at all levels of the school system. Guidance workers, teachers, principals, and…

A recommendation is made to develop 20 Language and International Studies High Schools that will offer intensive foreign language and cultural studies. Such schools would reflect the interests of local ethnic communities, with encouragement given to Black and minority participation. Schools should be funded by the Department of Education. (PMJ)

Compared 20 good and poor readers in a second-grade French immersion program to 20 good and poor readers in regular English second-grade classes on various indexes of reading accuracy and speed. Found that English-only students achieved independent reading in greater numbers than French immersion students did in either French or English. (MDM)