It is suggested in this column that trends in language testing in the last 15 years have followed trends in modern language teaching. Language testing adopted the tenets of audiolingualism and contrastive analysis, then incorporated test-making procedures of psychometrics, and finally became more eclectic in its approach. (SW)

Based on an analysis of textbooks, a presentation of four basic functions of clarity, or graphic presentation in the textbook (geographical, semantic, situational, stimulating) as well as their place and functions in the learning processes, on the basis of discoveries by A. N. Leontyev and P. Ja. Galperin. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

From the Contents: Character of knowledge of value, procedure and norms; its transmission and actualization (activation), presented through examples from Grades 5 to 10; the dialectic reciprocal relationship of all kinds of knowledge (including practical knowledge); its role in the development of personality. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Rules for irregular Spanish verbs are presented here in an unusual way as an aid for students and teachers. (CK)

A short summary is given of the problems of language-related study of culture, as it appears in the modern literature of the field of education on teaching Russian to foreigners. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

The process of matching teaching materials and methods to the student's learning style and ability level in foreign language classes is explored. The Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) model offers a diagnostic process for the identification of style. This process can be applied to the language learning setting as a way of presenting material to…

Based upon selected aspects of the theory of definition as proposed by Leonard (1967), results of the different conceptions of language proficiency are discussed. Properties of definitions, such as ambiguity and vagueness, and basic rules for defining terms are applied to current definitions of language proficiency in order to evaluate their…

This paper presents an overview of what has come to be known as the "Interaction Hypothesis," the basic tenet of which is that through input and interaction with interlocutors, language learners have opportunities to notice differences between their own formulations of the target language and the language of their conversational…

Presents observations on the teaching of Russian in an evening extension course and four teaching techniques which involve variety in lesson planning, flexibility in presentation, a relaxed atmosphere and encouragement. (LG)

Urges the use of drama in foreign language teaching, providing practical sugggestions as to methods of instruction and interpretation. (LG)