Examines second-language vocabulary knowledge and acquisition by reviewing research on levels of lexical proficiency and on qualitative differences in the oral and written communication of French immersion students as compared to that of their francophone peers. Argues for improved vocabulary instruction in immersion programs. (MDM)

Discusses the creation of a positive classroom climate, examines four dimensions of classroom climate (physical, academic, organizational, and social-emotional), and reviews techniques that teachers can use to promote a positive classroom climate. Teachers need to get to know their students, discuss the course objectives with their students, and…

A member of the Toronto Board of Education argues that exposure to international languages in elementary school constitutes an important part of a forward-looking, up-to-date educational system. Maintains that the learning of a second or third language has positive social and economic benefits. (MDM)

Reports in detail the results of a 1994 telephone survey conducted by the Modern Language Association (MLA) of a sample of English and foreign language departments. The survey was designed to ascertain changes in department size, faculty vacancies, student enrollment and majors, staffing, and course offerings over the 1980-94 period. (three…

Outlines the focus, curriculum, and outcomes of the Culture and Commerce interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. The program includes language study, international business courses, a semester abroad, and an internship with an international organization in New York City. (Contains four…

Discusses the use of Language Medium Teaching (LMT) in an experimental project at Craigroyston High School in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students in the LMT immersion program are taught geography in French. Also discussed are the use of LMT in the Scottish Primary Pilot program at Balerno High School and its feeder primary schools. (MDM)

Discusses a five-point plan for assessing and rewarding college and university language faculty, covering the use of student assessments; videotaped classes for evaluation and for future job seeking; informal faculty sessions for discussing teaching methods; and required submission and evaluation of course outlines and reading lists. (CB)

Explores the comparative importance of scholarly research and effective teaching among college and university language faculty in gaining tenure and promotions, suggesting that there be more tangible recognition given to faculty whose language instruction serves to attract and retain students in foreign language study. (four references) (CB)

After a brief review of trends in language labs, the history of Wisconsin's Learning Support Services (LSS) lab, which grew into an independent department serving all foreign languages, is traced. Its evolution included the development of an extensive library, audio studio, video service, and special cataloging and outreach system. (11 references)…

A Spanish language program for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students is reported that is a cooperative effort of the Bulloch County Public School System, Georgia Southern University, and the Southeast Georgia Foreign Language and Cultural Center. (LB)

The University of Mississippi's modern language department chairman discusses the chair's role in achieving faculty diversity and offers guidelines for hiring minority faculty, including realistic self-examination and portrayal, targeting all minorities, developing a working relationship with counterpart departments in other institutions, visiting…

Focuses on the question of administration when French language immersion programs are integrated into English instruction schools. It is argued that bilingual administration would be better than unilingual in fulfilling immersion teachers' needs, helping lessen conflict, and provide the leadership needed for program integration into the school…

Provides study results of the attitudes of first and second year foreign language students enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities toward foreign language study, and makes recommendations for improving the status of foreign language education at these institutions. (13 references) (GLR)

Transition stress is intensified for students entering not just a new school, but a new country. Educators can help adolescent immigrants by providing access to information, supporting English language and academic development (via newcomer schools and sheltered English content programs), and promoting access to postsecondary education. (MLH)

Abstracts of three research projects (1996-1998) funded by the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department: "Foreign Languages in the Upper Secondary School: A Study of the Causes of Decline" (McPake, Johnstone, Low); "Teachers' ICT Skills and Knowledge Needs" (Williams, Wilson, Richardson, Tuson, Coles); and…