In an effort to support Carroll's premise that there might be a relationship between foreign language aptitude and the degree to which the learner is capable of coping with the pace of language instruction, this study describes the comparative effectiveness of predicting student language learning potential through the Pimsleur Aptitude Battery,…

Research studies from different areas of the country are cited to support a favorable view of the effects of FLES instruction and to identify the most effective FLES instructional arrangements. Effects of FLES instruction on language achievement in elementary and high school and on general achievement in elementary school are noted. A study on…

The Stanford-Denver Project is a continuing study of elementary school Spanish instruction. These five documents report on various aspects of this study, especially the use of new technology to make instruction of Spanish more efficient. The first study details the construction of a listening comprehension test which could be given via television…

This paper examines the possibility of establishing a threshold level for the projected European units/credits system for modern languages in adult education. By threshold level is understood "a basic level of foreign language proficiency the level below which no further levels could be usefully distinguished." It is concluded that the height of…

This booklet presents a list of testing materials in English as a second language and Spanish. Among the information included are the name and description of each test, the test level, the address of the publisher, and the known uses. Forty-three tests are discussed. (SK)

Fourteen selected speeches dating from 1955 to 1969 cover a broad range of information relevant to the history of language instruction in American schools. A state-of-the-art review of language instruction, written in 1955, precedes papers on: (1) language proficiency; (2) school and college language program cooperation; (3) motion pictures in…

This is the 1970 volume of working papers related to the field of teaching English as a second language (TESL). Several articles concern topics on language instruction: the art of language teaching, bilingual education, literature study, composition writing, testing by dictation, problems of elementary school teachers, English curriculums for…

The experiment described in this report investigates second language development and the possibility of determining various levels of language acquisition. The subjects involved are Japanese students learning English. The students are given the task of recalling English kernel sentences after hearing them once. The resulting sentences--the…

A return to basic inductive research methods is recommended. Specifically, the scientific method of "strong inference" ought to be applied in attempts to prove hypotheses concerning the relationship that may exist between attitude variables and the learning of a second or foreign language. These hypotheses, drawn from the literature and discussed…

Discourse strategies used by native speakers in a case discussion at a graduate business school are compared to those of nonnative speakers in a similar setting. Differences were found in length and allocation of turns, synchrony of turn exchange, bidding and nomination techniques, and cooperative moves. (Author/LMO)

The background of word association tests is described, their potential relevance to second language (L2) research considered, and the history of their use as L2 measuring instruments reviewed. A computer-controlled word association test is described. The test was not established as a valid indicator of language proficiency. (Author/LMO)

A discussion of the admission examination to the University of Ottawa's graduate program in interpretation describes the three types of instruments used (oral test, written test, and interview), their measurement of six important interpreter characteristics, and work in progress to evaluate the test's reliability. (MSE)

Foreign language teachers who study abroad need language instruction that will increase language proficiency and develop fluency and refinement in language use. Cultural learning can be part of study abroad through community assignments. Literature and other courses must be preceded by courses which establish a certain level of proficiency in…

Recommended materials, assignment formats, and strategies for a course emphasizing development of functional proficiency in commercial French and focusing on three areas (context, practice, and verification) are outlined, including lectures, abstracting of readings, readings, long-term projects, and weekly projects. (MSE)

This document provides guidelines for the inclusion of English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 assessments. Twenty questions and answers are provided, along with a list of references. The following are appended: (1) Placement Tools for English Language Learners; (2) Definitions; (3) Typical Bilingual Program Designs; (4) Typical ESL Program…