Presents the summary report of the 1985 study by the Virginia Council of Higher Education on the condition of language teaching in state-supported institutions of higher learning. The report includes 56 specific recommendations. The state council adopted the systemwide recommendations and suggested that institutions implement them within three…

An ESL reading efficienty course was designed to tackle "sheer volume," frequently the nonnative speaker's greatest difficulty with university courses. Using overhead transparencies coupled with tape recordings, and eventually proceeding to real textbooks, sufficient practice was accomplished in the immediate controlled situation, but…

This digest presents an overview of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum, discussing various approaches and assessment efforts at community colleges, and examining some current issues facing ESL instruction. Although the general goals of ESL programs are similar, instruction within community colleges is not standardized. Different…

This detailed guide is for new teaching assistants (T.A.'s) teaching elementary French at the college level. Individual sections address the following topics: (1) the first day of class (including forms to be distributed to students); (2) written exams (policies regarding contributions, exam procedures, and corrections); (3) oral exam of the…

The purpose of this paper is to explain the rationale behind the creation of a set of environmental education materials that would simultaneously teach English to non-English majors at Indonesian universities. The thinking behind both the environmental education and English learning elements of the materials is explained.

Discusses how to start an overseas internship program using the Michigan State University Business Overseas Internship Program in Germany as a model. (EKN)

Foreign language teachers' catalog course descriptions are criticized for using inappropriate arguments for them and for not clearly articulating the need for language study. These arguments favoring language study are categorized as sociopolitical, instrumental, and cognitive, and are examined individually. (MSE)

Discusses a four-year project now in the second year at Earlham College to increase the use both by faculty and students of foreign languages. Provides the background to the project, the detailed objectives, and abbreviated comments on accomplishments to date. (EKN)

Describes two programs for adult learners, Weekend College and Learn and Shop. Weekend College offered credit courses on Saturdays and Sundays; Learn and Shop used employee training rooms at five major shopping centers. Statistics on both programs are given as well as a description of the Spanish Department offerings and reactions. (AMH)

Describes a curriculum project at five Black colleges in which Afro-French and Afro-Hispanic cultural materials were infused into introductory French and Spanish courses. Results indicate that use of these cultural materials motivated students in their study of foreign languages and contributed to development of global perspectives. (Author/BK)

Reports on an investigation of enrollment of minority groups, primarily Black, in foreign language programs at Indiana University. Provides statistics from 1974 to 1976 comparing enrollment figures for minority and nonminority students and correlates high school scores and college admission measures with participation and success in the study of…

Five directions foreign language departments should explore in the 1980s in order to revitalize their programs include uniting foreign language and international studies, cross-cultural studies, teaching process of communication, career preparation, and language for humanistic studies. (BK)

The responses to questions of class size, degree requirements, starting salaries, and teaching load from 156 academic institutions involved in foreign language teaching are revealed. These may be benchmarks for evaluating and improving programs nationwide. (PMJ)

Examines the shift in the role of the college and university language department head from that of colleague and leader to manager, resulting from changing institutional and professional culture. Argues department chairs must read recent research on department leadership, learn about changes in higher education and the faculty's role, and…

An investigation of the place of oral testing in large institutions' foreign language programs found common problems, including large classes, multisectioned courses, and use of inexperienced teaching assistants as evaluators. Most institutions using oral testing coped with the problems. Recommendations for improving test use and administration…