The concept of "motivation" is examined in this article in terms of anxiety levels and anxiety reduction. Three major factors bearing upon the degree to which students are motivated toward the study of foreign languages are personal interest, attitude, and ability. Dr. Smith urges more individualized instruction and personalized student evaluation…

This report discusses the feasibility of implementing the Ogontz Plan, a "live laboratory" program which supplements the existing social studies curriculums in elementary and secondary schools, in the Seattle Public School District. The objectives of the plan are: (1) to promote international understanding by sharing educational…

A brief analysis of several theories of language acquisition and of various methods of language instruction leads to a proposal of general guidelines to be used in the development of an experimental course in Latin for seventh-grade students. The author discusses the writings of Chomsky, Sweet, and Brooks and suggests the abandonment of…

The definition and uses of interactive instructional designs are presented in this book. Eight examples are given of the variety of designs available to the classroom teacher and a chapter is devoted to each. The chapters describe the usefulness of the particular design, its operation, the design format, and the method for evaluating the outcomes.…

This book suggests procedures not only for teaching the fundamental processes in reading but also for teaching reading in high school subject areas. Four chapters present methods for teaching vocabulary, comprehension, rate, and problem solving. Nine chapters are devoted to practical classroom methods for teaching mathematics, science, industrial…

Four learning activity packages (LAPS) for use in secondary school German programs contain instructional materials which enable students to improve their basic linguistic skills. The units include: (1) "Grusse," (2) "Ich Heisse...Namen," (3) "Tune into Your Career: Business Correspondence 'Auf Deutch'," and (4) "Understanding German Culture."…

Operation Pathfinder was a special manpower project designed to retrain behaviors of the disadvantaged and to establish positive motivations to work for a living through application of social reinforcement methodology. The project demonstrated that a positive reinforcing environment and properly structured work situation will provide a means of…

This report outlines a program through which a State Employment Service, using existing resources, can provide employers and their workers with a broad range of technical services in order to improve productivity and make work more tolerable. The report is based on observations and analysis by a team of participant-observers of a Skill Improvement…

A random sample is reported of fifth-year teachers from conventional schools and from open or innovative schools who completed the Organizational Climate Descriptions Questionnaire (OCDQ), administered anonymously, which measured subjective rather than objective dimensions. The instrument is interpreted as being primarily a measure of teacher…

This curriculum guide outlines materials and ideas for a one-year exploratory course in French. In attempting to reach the broadest possible range of students in the community, emphasis is placed on individualized instruction, human relationships, options, and new processes for achieving greater comprehension and continuing understanding. The…

The presentation of the book "Animal Farm" by George Orwell to sophomores at East Orange Catholic High School, New Jersey, as a "political document" is discussed. Through research, panel discussions and voluntary comments, the students studied the book in depth comparing it to the power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky in…

This paper probes for reasons of student discontent with current language instruction and suggests general educational objectives for all levels of instruction. The author comments on these areas of concern: educational relevance, foreign language requirements, educational objectives, native speakers, individualizing instruction, utilization of…

Relationships between Modern Language Aptitude (MLA) test scores and grades for French, German, and Spanish were determined. Analyses within courses 01, 05, 06, 07, and 11 were conducted. Successful and unsuccessful students and their MLA scores were identified in each course. Results indicated that placement was generally more successful in the…

This paper discusses an aspect of "designed learning," focusing on self-contained written programs dealing with grammatical structure at the concept or principle level, to be used by the student outside of class without the aid of an instructor. Several self-contained partial "programs" dealing with fundamental morphological and semantic concepts…

After a thorough debunking of the traditional justification for the teaching of French, the author proposes to revitalize interest in language instruction through wide-scale curricular reforms. Socioeconomic problems in the United States are related to student unrest and declining enrollment in language programs. An outline of suggested…