Three case studies illustrate how recent classroom observation research has led to more active participation on the part of teachers, principals, and supervisors. The groups have worked closely to understand how the core French program works in the classroom. Participatory research is seen as an important professional development opportunity for…

Combined with a computer, videodisks of foreign films are helping second-language students at the University of Pennsylvania learn two neglected skills, listening and looking. The combination of attractive visual and linguistic information and fast pace stimulates vocabulary acquisition. The program has prepared 20 interactive videodiscs in 6…

Examines differences among three levels of third grade second-language (L2) readers on four oral variables: grammatical complexity; well-formedness; informativeness; and comprehension. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicate significant differences on all variables between low and high readers. Differences between intermediate and high groups were…

A discussion of economic and social arguments that advance adult literacy is followed by a review of definitions of literacy, issues of literacy instruction, issues of language, and issues of assessment and evaluation. (91 references) (LB)

A study examined effects of requiring mainly nonfrancophone university freshmen to use word processing in a French literature course. Results showed students learned word processing without harmful effects on course performance, showed greater control over French spelling and grammar, and wrote more syntactically complex French. Increased…

Examines in broad terms the Science with Japanese Program at Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, and evaluates the success of this program in terms of academic achievement and relevance to future employment. (12 references) (GLR)

Four French language instructional activities are described, including an exercise in use of the subjunctive mode, based on an advertisement; a simulation for use in business French; an examination of intonation and meaning in conversation; and an exercise in forming questions. (MSE)

A discussion of the second-language classroom as a fertile environment for cultural contact looks at the teacher's role and the instructional potential of various kinds of social discourse, including classroom communication, the social sciences, official and nonofficial reports, surveys, mass media, social action, and signs and symbols. (MSE)

Reviews integrated language and content instruction or content-centered language learning in the United States. The background, rationale, program models, instructional strategies and techniques, and issues related to this type of language instruction are provided. An annotated bibliography is included. (61 references) (LET)

Reviews aspects of foreign language instruction (FLI) often cited as incompatible with the goals of general education. Argues for inclusion of FLI at the center of general education, describing the critical linguistic skills and cultural learning gained through language study. Offers six suggestions for restoring FLI to the liberal education…

French news broadcasts by Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA) may prove overwhelmingly difficult for typical intermediate-level students because it is written discourse in an audiovisual medium. However, thoughtful selection of material and careful preparation of related exercises can make SCOLA features rewarding even for students with…

Describes a practical experiment in which students prepared video materials to present to each other, the aim being to develop student autonomy in learning, class participation, motivation, and accuracy. The student feedback confirmed the success of the experiment; the rationale for this success is presented. (14 references) (GLR)

Considers the functions of teaching guides, and suggests why their evaluation is a worthwhile activity. The evaluation process is examined, and a set of model criteria for a detailed evaluation are provided. (14 references) (JL)

Describes the atmosphere and activities in a primary classroom in New Zealand that affect the literacy development of limited English-proficient children. Key factors are identified, including teacher expectations of success, whole language environment, and nurturing classroom climate. (two references) (Author/LB)

The British Undersecretary of State for Education and Science and the parent of a school-age son with cerebral palsy looks at implications of the new National Curriculum for children with special needs including individual statements declaring individualized applications, the foreign language requirement, flexibility for pupils with dyslexia,…