This paper attempts to provide a synthesis of the best available knowledge on ways to evaluate the effectiveness of foreiqn language programs. Procedures that have worked well are outlined, an evaluation model is suggested, and a list of specific guidelines, checklists, and other resources is provided. The results of a survey designed to get…

An explanation of and guide to the resource document, "Un niveau-seuil" (A Threshold Level), is presented here. A brief presentation is made of the history of the project that produced the document, the operative definitions and concepts, and the contents of the sections of "Un niveau-seuil." Following the introductory…

This inquiry into the role of literature in English as a second language is based upon an examination of six basic issues or principles: (1) the position of English as a foreign language within a country; (2) the aims of English instruction within a country; (3) the way in which the native literature is taught in a country; (4) the availability of…

Extracts from a journal kept by a French-speaking adult student in an intensive German language class are presented here. It is a critique of the audio-visual method, texts, teaching techniques, and students' reactions during the two parts of the course at the University of Berne. The extracts deal particularly with a comparison of the texts used…

English essayist literacy shares many features with the discourse patterns of English speakers. Where these patterns are different from those of another ethnic group, literacy will be experienced as interethnic communication. Athabaskan discourse differs from that of English in (1) presentation of self (an Athabaskan is silent with new…

The wide assortment of books and seminars on assertiveness training shows a growing desire among people to learn how to express their feelings. This paper attempts to adapt many of these techniques to the foreign language classroom. Sixteen activities which enable students to practice communication are proposed. They encompass all levels of…

A detailed analysis of an Italian-American woman's speech is presented, and her interlanguage patterns are discussed in relation to a pidginization hypothesis. Data are presented on the following speech characteristics of the woman: free speech negatives, interrogatives, and present and past tense constructions. Her language is shown to be…

RESULTS ARE GIVEN OF A 1965 QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGNED TO SHOW INDIANAPOLIS FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM PRACTICES BELOW THE NINTH GRADE IN COMPARISON WITH THE PRACTICES OF 46 OTHER LARGE CITIES. QUESTIONS WERE ASKED ON (1) LANGUAGES TAUGHT, (2) LEVEL AT WHICH LANGUAGE STUDY IS BEGUN, (3) PROGRAM CONTINUITY, (4) PUPIL PARTICIPATION, (5) HOW TIME FOR…

THREE BRITISH SPECIALISTS, VISITING THE SOVIET UNION IN 1961, STUDIED BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION IN SOVIET ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THEIR EXAMINATION OF THE TYPES OF SCHOOLS, LANGUAGE POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY, TEACHER TRAINING, METHODOLOGY, AND MATERIALS REVEALED THAT SOVIET EDUCATORS WERE INTENT UPON…

Now that teachers and administrators have become aware of the administrative organization of the language laboratory and the daily routine essential to the proper functioning of its equipment, attention ought to be focused on its more creative use in enhancing the learning processes. This orientation in attitude is reflected in the newly generated…

In addition to improving teacher education programs, Illinois colleges and universities are in the process of adjusting foreign language programs to meet the legitimate needs of high school graduates. So that teachers and counselors may have a better understanding of foreign language education programs in Illinois, this report describes sample…

FOUR NEW DIRECTIONS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING REFLECT THE IMPORTANCE OF USING INSIGHTS FROM OTHER DISCIPLINES TO STIMULATE NEW APPROACHES TO OLD PROBLEMS. FIRST, FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING MATERIALS AND METHODS MUST BE BASED ON ACCURATE DESCRIPTIONS AND CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS OF THE SYSTEMS OF COMMUNICATIVE SIGNALS WHICH PEOPLE PRODUCE AND…

STANDARDS ARE PROPOSED FOR STUDENT UNDERSTANDING IN THE SOCIOCULTURAL COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL II LANGUAGE COURSE, OR AFTER THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF A LANGUAGE IN HIGH SCHOOL. BRIEF STATEMENTS OF STANDARDS FOR LEVELS I, III, AND IV ARE PROVIDED AS BACKGROUND. IT IS ASSUMED THAT NO ENGLISH WILL BE USED IN CLASS, AND THAT CULTURAL INSIGHTS WILL BE TAUGHT…

The article initially treats the difference between measurement (quantitative) and evaluation (qualitative) and explains the essentials for meaningful evaluation as being clearly defined course objectives, teaching methods, and testing procedures. The educational objectives in the "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Cognitive Domain"…

A foreign language and culture program is advocated in place of the traditional language and literature program in today's schools. The potential importance of television and films in presenting cultural context is stressed, but the poor caliber of existing foreign language television programs in the United States (with a few notable exceptions)…