In reader responses to a previous article, it is suggested that cultural content is less important than the method by which material is presented to students; McCarthy argues that students must be free to develop good evaluative thinking. (two references) (LB)

Describes practical course for teacher education using guest lecture and discussions, microteaching, and class discussion sessions to engage students in practical requirements of foreign language teaching. (Author/BK)

Discusses status of literature in university and secondary school curricula, the degree of student interest in the study of literature, and research activity and teacher training in literary methodology. Believes disparity exists between expectations of the university curriculum and the role of literature in other areas. Gives suggestions to…

Discussion of important influences on language teachers and their teaching focuses on the social context of the school and on negative and positive influences of administration. Administrative support is suggested as an important means of instructional improvement. Criticisms of foreign language teacher education are examined, and use of critical…

Results of a study of the curricular content of the foreign language (FL) methods course are presented, based on 157 FL methods course syllabi from 144 colleges and universities. Course goals, instructional materials, content, requirements, and evaluation systems were examined. Areas in need of further development are identified. (50 references)…

Whole language content lessons are recommended as a means for teachers of English as a second language to help their students develop both communicative and academic competence. Whole language is an approach to teaching that relies on the principles that lessons should: (1) progress from whole to part, (2) be learner-centered, (3) have meaning and…

Discusses the increased demand for French immersion teachers, the concomitant demand for improved teacher education programs, and the joint efforts of the University of Manitoba's faculty of education and French department to create a course for senior students and practicing teachers to meet these needs. (MSE)

Materials to be used in workshops to teach language teacher trainees the communicative approach to language testing are presented. The materials were developed from a 1985 Council of Europe workshop held in York, England. They include preliminary notes for workshop organizers, an introductory "ice-breaker" activity, and six content…

Transcripts of classroom interaction illustrate how emphasis on lesson planning and communicative activities in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher training, and dominance of a coursebook, had unintended consequences in three specific areas, leading to inhibition of teacher-student interaction, avoidance of genuine communicative…

The concentration of learner needs in programs of English for special purposes (ESP) has led to the neglect of teacher needs, particularly in the case of teacher training courses. A solution to the problem is to apply ESP principles to the design of teacher training courses for general English teachers. The language needs of teachers of English as…

Describes an inservice teacher training initiative which explored the value of relating aspects of foreign language learning to aspects of environmental education. Discusses the development of a course for modern language teachers and teacher trainers from Great Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany in environmental education program…

The report offers a comparison of instruction time for beginning languages at St. Olaf College (Minnesota) and 17 other colleges and universities, and concludes with recommendations for curricular change at St. Olaf College. Contact hours ranged from 80 hours (St. Olaf) to 171 hours. The study was undertaken in response to faculty concern that not…

The foreign language teacher should have cultural training and should teach the foreign culture from the onset of foreign language instruction. Seven goals for cultural instruction are suggested along with teaching strategies for their implementation. (PMJ)

A discussion of numeracy (the ability to cope confidently with the mathematical demands of everyday life), focuses on provision of numeracy instruction alongside English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction for learners with low literacy skills. It looks first at considerations and methods for assessing student numeracy needs, including the…

This publication is a guide for foreign language teachers in improving their curricula and achieving better foreign language education outcomes. The objective is to help students develop more usable skills and realistic cultural awareness. The first chapter locates foreign language education within the College Board's larger Educational Equality…