There are cognitive, social, personal, and practical reasons for studying a second language, and the syllabus is shaped by these and the identity of the learners, general and specific course objectives, educational principles, course components, learner input, and student evaluation procedures. A dynamic syllabus addresses four language competence…

Viewing language learning in terms of the development of proficiency has important implications for the process of curriculum development in English as a second language. A proficiency-oriented curriculum derives not from an analysis of the language code, but from an analysis of target language behaviors. The interest is in both the product and…

The curriculum developed by the Fairfax County (Virginia) Department of Manpower Services in Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) program is a response to the needs of Southeast Asian refugees for language and cross-cultural skills and to employers' needs for support services. The core curriculum, emphasizing fluency and listening…

Points out weaknesses in research studies purporting to show that there is no transfer value to the teaching of grammar; presents 21 pointers to aid in establishing a good grammar program. (DD)

A questionnaire was distributed to faculty members to determine which of the four basic language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) were most essential to nonnative speaker success in university classes. The receptive skills of reading and listening were ranked first. Implications for teaching and curriculum development are given.…

Key principles for designing language teaching materials are presented. They relate to the following: links with the curriculum; authenticity regarding text and task; stimulating interaction; allowing focus on formal aspects of the language; encouraging development of learning skills; and applying language skills to the wider world. (10…

Prepared by the teaching staff and curriculum office of the Mehlville (Missouri) School District, this curriculum guide for senior high school English presents a dual focus on language (grammar, usage, composition) and literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, media). Following a statement of the philosophy of the program, the guide outlines…

Noting that current students will become citizens of the Information Age, and that much of their social and professional success will depend on their speaking and listening skills, this paper supports the call for required courses in oral communication and proposes components of successful oral communication programs. The introduction describes…

An examination of translation and conference interpretation as well-established academic professions focuses on how they should be taught in order to maintain the integrity of the two professions and the highest standards in their exercise. An introductory section answers the question, "Can translation and interpretation be taught?,"…

This guide was designed to help teachers consider the essential nature of communication in the teaching-learning process and to share responsibility for communication across the curriculum. The guide has four sections. The first section examines the role of communication in one teacher's classroom. A discussion of this teacher's belief that…

A plea is made for interprovincial cooperation in renewing the French core curriculum by widening its scope so that it becomes a viable alternative to the popular immersion programs. A multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four syllabi (language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education) is outlined.…

The draft of a new syllabus for Latin instruction in New York State public schools emphasizes language instruction for communication. The syllabus is intended to serve as a basis for local activities such as review of current local programs, development of local programs to meet new standards, selection and acquisition of support materials,…

Developed by classroom teachers, instructional supervisors, school administrators, and personnel from institutions of higher education, this course of study guide outlines the language arts skills and concepts to be taught at each grade level (K-12) in Alabama schools. It is intended as a content outline to be used in planning the language arts…

This guide to designing an effective second language instructional program in the public schools provides parents, community leaders, and school personnel with practical guidelines for reviewing current foreign language instructional programs and for introducing changes in the curriculum that are in line with the emphasis on communication. An…

The fourth of seven related guides, this curriculum guide for tenth grade English outlines opportunities for students to use the skills they have acquired previously, to be involved in well-planned educational experiences in critical thinking and in oral and written expression, and to develop an understanding of others. The first half of the guide…