Using a detailed example, the article shows how fictitious texts can be used to train students in the critical reading of newspapers and magazines. A key feature of the procedure is the comparison two or more texts written about the same event. (FS/WGA)

Discusses using key words as carriers of meaning for sentences, offering sample sentences in the fields of (1) dictation and guided narration, (2) structural pattern drills, (3) spoken dialog, and (4) silent reading. Here key words are important in deducing the meaning of new words. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Argues in favor of teaching writing in the FL class. The following specifics are discussed: 1) When should writing begin? 2) When should written work occur in a largely oral lesson? 3) How is writing introduced? 4) Which written exercises are worth doing? 5) When can creative writing begin? 6) Writing as a response to reality. (KM)

Questions the adequacy of the data gathered through error analysis procedures, the status of the interlanguage as an autonomous system and the value of descriptions based on error analysis for the language teacher and learner. Suggests that error analysis procedures may prove more useful for historical linguistics. Available from Instituut voor…

Reviews the history of the relationship between foreign language departments, foreign language instruction and the various socio-economic factors that have determined their fate over the past 20 years. The changes that need to be made to ensure the position of foreign language instruction in the present socio-economic picture are outlined. (CLK)

Reports on a course offered by the Department of Foreign Languages at Murray State University designed to interest students in foreign language study by means of interdisciplinary exposure to the nature of language, to basic contrastive linguistics, comparative literature and comparative culture. A curriculum is outlined. Advantages and drawbacks…

Reports on elements unique to foreign language teaching situations and outlines competencies expected for foreign language instructors such as competence in the language being taught, knowledge of its structure, knowledge of cultural traits and cultural activities, i.e. literature, understanding of the nature of language, second-language learning,…

A national experiment in foreign-language teaching carried out in selected primary schools in England and Wales is discussed. The experiment was begun in 1964 with the introduction of French. The results of the 1964-74 evaluation are discussed here. (RM)

Shows, with examples, how through conscious combination of five variables one can grade according to difficulty the various communicative acts occurring in teaching, making possible a systematic teaching of communicative competence. The variables are; (1) Linguistic material, (2) Skills, (3) Degrees of mastery, (4) Communication type, and (5) Area…

The results of an experimental Spanish course using videotapes, described previously (FLA, December 1974), and the application of the results to the entire Spanish language program, are discussed. (Author/KM)

This discussion is divided into three parts: (1) [native] language acquisition versus [second] language learning, (2) successful language learning, and (3) teaching strategies (grammar-translation, direct, cognitive and cognitive habit-formation). (KM)

Linguistic needs of non-linguist students of Belgian universities are assessed; skills that should be taught and approaches to use are discussed. The needs are twofold: scholastic and professional. Skills should be reading comprehension and oral and written knowledge. Approaches should be comprehensive. (SC)

The aim of this study is to identify the English teachers' barriers to the use of CALL in university EFL classes. Computers have been used for language teaching ever since the 1960's. This 40-year period can be divided into three main stages: behaviorist CALL, communicative CALL, and integrative CALL. Each stage corresponds to a certain level of…

From a special report, "What's New in Curriculum.

This paper explores the influence of field independent-dependent cognitive style on second language test performance, especially as it relates to performance on the integrative type of measure known as the cloze test. Approximately 250 college students enrolled in a first semester Spanish course formed the sample group for this correlational…