Because idioms are omnipresent in the authentic language students are exposed to, to successfully comprehend and produce natural language, learners of a second or foreign language need to possess a good knowledge of idioms and competence in idiom use. This paper examines the approaches to teaching and learning idioms. A discussion of the…

In an effort to strengthen teacher training, advanced language learning, and general skill development, one university developed an upper division "internship" in German. German majors and nonmajors were attracted to the course for its emphasis on skills applicable in the job market. (MSE)

Explains FLEX, foreign language exploratory program, a self-contained presequence course which usually involves a multilanguage contrastive approach and which is given in the grade immediately before year in which students may enroll in first year of standard sequence of second language courses. (Author/BK)

Discusses implementation of a FLEX program called Beginning Foreign Language at Mooresville High School, including administrative scheduling, room assignments, budget, general and specific objectives of course, materials, testing, and grading. Concludes positive aspects outweigh unresolved problems. (BK)

Presents a brief history of the status of foreign language instruction from 1953 to 1984. Summarizes research on effects of foreign language study. Describes the foreign language education program at the University of Tennessee--Knoxville, providing an overview of the organization, curricular content, and methodology. Evaluates Knoxville's unique…

Describes development and implementation of Certificate in Translation sequence for second language students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (BK)

Discusses the development of a notional functional syllabus for university second language classes. (EKN)

Describes some of the responsibilities and common problems, both at home and abroad, that a study abroad director is likely to encounter. (EKN)

Describes the content of and reasoning behind the Spanish commerce course at Douglass College. (EKN)

Discusses teaching foreign language in kindergarten as a way to foster favorable attitudes for serious language study at a later date. Outlines some classroom guidelines and expectations based on experiences in two kindergarten FLES programs. (EKN)

Discusses the organization of a college German club and gives ideas for social, cultural, and educational activities for a club to sponsor. (EKN)

Presents instructional unit as example of materials developed for use in FLEX programs. Purpose of unit is to introduce students to German and the culture of the people who speak it, with a global perspective. (BK)

Two articles address issues in the development of French and Spanish language programs in elementary schools: instructional materials and time and money factors. The information presented is drawn from experience in developing the Radford, Virginia FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program. The first article describes some aspects…

Describes curricular program which allows students to opt for more oral practice of a foreign language through individual presentations, situations, and skits. Discusses classroom procedures and information as to materials and methods. (BK)

A national survey sought data on fall 1990 enrollments in Italian classes in U.S. colleges and universities, including junior and community colleges, to supplement previous surveys. Findings show that Italian is regularly taught in 370 institutions with a total combined enrollment of 44,102 students. Institution-by-institution data are tabulated.…