A study was conducted at the California State University, San Bernardino, to determine how best to conduct elementary, intermediate, and advanced courses in French via self-paced learning. A questionnaire was given to current students and to alumni who had taken at least one self-paced course in French to assess their opinions on existing methods…

Three studies of the development of gender competence in elementary and intermediate level learners of French as a second language are reported. The findings support an emerging rule-governed process of gender assignment related to the learner's development of skill with the language's underlying phonological system. (11 references) (MSE)

A study investigated the learning and reception strategies used by six learners of college-level French, tested by completion of a rational cloze passage. The analysis focused on the effect of frequency, quality, and clustering of strategies on performance. Results suggest quality and clustering are most significant. (Author/MSE)

Considers the implications of research on intentional learning processes for the role of the second language teacher. It is recommended that teachers take on the task of helping their students refine their competence as learners. Techniques for classroom practice are suggested. (MSE)

A scale of processes found most constructive for second-language learning was validated with two groups of adult French students. Instruction of one group included use of the scale. Pre- and posttests of language learning and use of processes suggest that unsuccessful language learners can be taught to improve performance. (31 references)…

Probability theory can be developed from a theoretical or experimental probability approach. The problem, "The Gambler's Ruin," is used to study whether students are naturally sensitive to learning probability from an experimental probability approach through simulations. Results indicated that use of simulations can contribute to…

This article describes how second language learners become more autonomous in the language learning process, how the cooperative learning strategy helps improve the learning outcome, and how second language learners apply learning strategies to learning tasks both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Three activities were offered:…

Teaching techniques and small-group activities to give French language students the tools and skills to begin French literature study are discussed. Variety in course content, approach to texts, and techniques that promote active participation and enthusiasm help students acquire skills in literary analysis in a foreign language. (MSE)

A technique used in an advanced French writing class to encourage student self-correction is described. The technique focused on correction of verbs and their tenses; reduction of repetition; appropriate use of "on" and "nous;" and verification of possessive adjectives, negatives, personal pronouns, spelling, and punctuation.…

This resource guide is designed to provide foreign language teachers with suggestions for helping students learn how to become better language learners. The five chapters of the guide for teaching writing skills are as follows: (1) Teaching Learning Strategies (e.g., rationale for teaching, types, useful strategies, guidelines, instructional…

The curriculum guide for Alberta's six-year French language program, which spans grades 7 through 12 and is designed to increase program effectiveness through greater specificity, improved articulation, and increased instructional time, includes the following components: a set of objectives reflecting the province's goals of basic education and a…

This resource guide is designed to provide foreign language teachers with suggestions for helping students learn how to become better language learners. The four chapters of the guide for teaching listening skills are as follows: (1) Teaching Learning Strategies (e.g., rationale for teaching, types, useful strategies, guidelines, instructional…

The curriculum guide for Alberta's nine-year French language program, which spans grades 4 through 12, includes the following components: a set of objectives reflecting the province's goals of basic education and a rationale to support the inclusion of French in a school program; specification of minimum expectations for each language skill…

This resource guide is designed to provide foreign language teachers with suggestions for helping ineffective students learn how to become better language learners and for already effective students to become superior language learners. The four chapters of the guide for teaching reading skills are as follows: (1) Teaching Learning Strategies…

Provides an overview of the design, production, and preliminary testing of a microcomputer-controlled interactive learning workstation developed at Simon Fraser University to teach French as a Second Language. Criteria and guidelines are discussed; the authoring system is explained; and field testing with grades four through seven is described.…