Four aspects of the problem of retention of students in foreign language programs are discussed. (1) "Retention and Dropout: The National Situation," by K. E. Muller, describes a survey of retention rates in a sample of colleges and universities; (2) "Retention and Dropout: Some Remarks on One Department's Experience," by F. Valette, reflects on…

The variables that must be considered in English as a second language (ESL) program evaluation, major educational evaluation models, and a standards-based model for ESL program evaluation are discussed. Different ESL programs are examined including intensive programs and adult and university programs. Program variables such as subject matter,…

These materials were developed by the South Carolina Department of Education for use in a public relations (PR) workshop for foreign language teachers. They deal with a grassroots PR campaign in terms of program planning to bridge the gap from present actuality to future possibilities. They also treat the means by which these efforts may be…

A survey was conducted of 508 universities to investigate the status of business Spanish courses in the modern language curriculum. The questionnaire solicited information on the number, size, and scheduling of business Spanish courses; students; course materials; methods of promotion; funding; language requirements; other business language…

Resources should not be devoted to FLES unless student need and interest are demonstrated. (JH)

The Polish government has encouraged summer study tours of Poland by students from abroad. The unique and fascinating Polish culture combines with the economy of travel in Poland to make such a tour attractive to American students young and old. Four universities offer general summer courses. The program in Krakow is characterized by a minimum of…

This curriculum guide presents a program introducing sixth-grade children to the study of language, of languages other than English, and specifically of French. An initial section includes a variety of activities designed to interest students in the study of language, its peculiarties, complexities, and importance in life. Prior to the first…

State-funded programs in Washington for providing vocational and English-language training for Indochinese refugees were evaluated. The evaluation was conducted by means of a survey and site visits. Although data show both strengths and weaknesses, programs share some common positive features: (1) dedication of program staff, (2) use of a wide…

Summarizes and evaluates the foreign-language program decreed by the Italian Ministry of Public Education for students in the two years of senior high school. (CFM)

Describes the Dartmouth Intensive Language Model which was originally developed to teach a crash course in French to Peace Corps volunteers. Describes the methodology used to teach this course at Bernard Baruch College and the negative effect of the college's physical environment and of the "commuting" factor on the class. (SED)

Describes a series of courses developed by Seattle University's foreign language department in cooperation with the professor of military science which tries to relate foreign language study to the specific needs of the ROTC cadets. The normal five-quarter credit course has been restructured into a series of variable credit courses. (SED)

Discusses what constitutes literary theory and advocates a mandatory course in it for all literature and language majors. (EKN)

Discusses the foreign language requirements at Hunter College. By the fourth semester, a student is expected to read and understand a fairly advanced literary text and to talk and write about it in the target language. Discusses possible changes in these requirements, such as oral proficiency testing, and problems that may be encountered. (SED)

Reports on the fall 1983 survey of foreign language registration in U.S. institutions of higher education. There was a total of 966,013 foreign language registrations--an increase of 4.5 percent since the last published report. The six leading languages were Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Latin. (SED)

Hypothesizes that second language learning at the elementary level results in an increased development of potential creativity in children. (DS)