This study represents an attempt to describe the second-language competence of English-speaking children who are learning French as a second language. The performance of fourth- and sixth-grade children taking part in a French immersion program was compared to that of French-speaking children of the same age using an elicited imitation task. The…

This study explores: (1) on the theoretical level, the relationship of certain personality characteristics to second language learning among young children; and (2) on the practical level, if the bases parents use for deciding whether to enroll their child in a second language program are well-founded. In their kindergarten year, 63 French…

This paper examines the role of selected affective, cognitive and social factors in second language acquisition, in an attempt to define a group of factors associated with success in second language learning within the formal educational system. Also examined is the effect of different teaching programs on an optimal group of factors. (CLK)

Presents results of the fourth evaluation of trilingual school programs in French, Hebrew, and English being offered on an experimental basis in several elementary schools in Montreal. (Author/AM)

The results of an evaluation of a New Brunswick elementary school immersion program show that native speakers of English do not achieve the same proficiency in French language skills as they do in English. This is due to their limited exposure to native French speaking models outside the classroom. (MSE)

An overview of some basic issues underlying the national debate on bilingual education: its history, goals, and political implications. Contrasts the maintenance and transitional approaches. Argues that bilingual education is a civil rights and an equity issue, an essential part of multicultural education. (LHW)

Bilingual education is inherently political because it involves power relations between dominant and dominated groups. Effective anti-racist bilingual programs will be vehemently resisted by the dominant group despite research evidence because they threaten the power of the dominant group. (LHW)

Native speakers (N=10), comprehension class students (N=10), traditionally instructed students (N=10), and controls (N=10) were evaluated for quality of German accent. While native speakers most frequently received excellent ratings, students in the comprehension class (which featured immersion techniques) were rated higher than traditionally…

Discusses the schooling of Mexican American and Puerto Rican children in U.S. schools prior to 1960. Describes policies that aimed to force acculturation, ban the use of Spanish, and channel Hispanic children into programs that virtually guaranteed that they would pursue low status occupations. (GC)

Suggests that an analysis of spontaneous speech collected in a simulation can provide insight into the way messages are produced and understood. Describes an experiment which used this technique to study the linguistic performance and communication strategies in anglophone children learning French. (SED)

Outlines ways for postsecondary institutions to adapt entry requirements and develop new courses to meet the needs of two target groups with different language learning needs: functionally bilingual secondary immersion graduates and graduates of secondary foreign language programs who show interest in increasing proficiency in French. (MSE)

This teacher's guide, intended for the instruction of both French as a first language and French as a second language in an immersion setting, provides a host of strategies for teaching interactive oral presentation skills in the classroom (Grades 1 through 7). Section 1 is designed to bring the teacher's awareness to the training procedure,…

This Toolkit is meant to be a resource for teachers, parents, and administrators involved with two-way immersion (TWI) programs, particularly those at the elementary level. Two-way immersion is a form of dual language instruction that brings together students from two native language groups for language, literacy, and academic content instruction…

This book describes Structured English Immersion (SEI) for English language learners (ELLs). Seven chapters focus on the following: (1) "Identification, Assessment, and Placement" (e.g., California's school districts implement SEI and proper placement of students); (2) "Listening Skills" (e.g., time on task, total physical…

This guide offers a framework to facilitate the planning process for dual language programs, assuming at least a basic working knowledge of the central characteristics and essential features of dual language models. It provides an overview of the various models that serve linguistically diverse student populations, defining the term dual language…