Argues that video material for foreign language teaching should be designed to serve as model for immediate language production and not just for listening comprehension and culture. Describes some classroom strategies for use with video instruction. (EKN)

Describes a university course on East German art and politics. Provides a syllabus and list of required tests. (EKN)

The revision of an intermediate-level college French grammar course whose enrollment had been falling steadily is described. The three goals were (1) building on aural-oral competence gained earlier; (2) rigorous and systematic introduction to reading and writing skills; and (3) preservation of enthusiasm built in a newly revamped introductory…

Describes the strategies used by Pacific University (Oregon) to build up enrollments in foreign languages, including restructuring the program for foreign language majors, changing teaching methodology, and emphasizing study abroad. Also discusses active student recruiting. (EKN)

Describes Spanish practicum course at Lewis and Clark College in which students of Spanish act as English tutors for Spanish-speaking individuals on campus and in the community. Students benefit culturally and linguistically and Spanish curriculum is enhanced. (Author/BK)

Describes the intensive French program at Western Maryland College. Concludes that the program has helped to reverse some of the dwindling enrollments in French. (EKN)

Describes the intensive German program at North Texas State University. Shows how the intensive course model may be adapted to tight budgets. (EKN)

Examines various perspectives on the issue of French language training for adult immigrants held by French informants, many of whom are engaged in such training. (EKN)

Discusses why most colleges have dropped a foreign language requirement and what should be done to reestablish and solidify the place of second language programs in a required curriculum. (EKN)

A revised version of testimony in favor of support for foreign language education at all levels. The need for Americans to become more proficient in foreign languages in view of economic, social, and political interdependence; the advantage of an early start; and support for advanced foreign language study are discussed. (AMH)

Reports a survey of postsecondary institutions in the United States. Questionnaires were sent to foreign language departments. A 79 percent response indicated that 60.1 percent of all enrollments were in elementary courses. Information reported concerns languages offered in various types of institutions, institutional factors affecting enrollment,…

Ten 1975-80 surveys and studies of FLES programs reported: Americans approve of FLES programs; children profit from FLES programs which stress interpersonal communication skills; and children develop increased interest in academic programs. Positive correlation exists between practice and proficiency in second language acquisition. Different…

Discusses the general education role assigned by many institutions to foreign language departments and the difficulties that these have encountered in adjusting their course offerings and their goals to such role. Expresses the belief that the foreign language classroom is the ideal environment to teach the value of language as a heuristic device.…

Discusses recent changes in objectives of second language education including development of a more comprehensive theory, a set of communicative teaching strategies, and an increasing interest in the needs of the learner in the context of English as a second language project underway in the Modern Language Center of the Ontario Institute for…

Analyzes the final report of the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies, pointing out that the main thrust of its recommendations and proposals for funding is toward development of international studies with or without a foreign language component. Views this as a potential threat to foreign language programs. (MES)