Providing foundational academic support to Indiana's culturally and linguistically diverse students is a cornerstone of the state's educational goals. Over 140,000 Indiana students speak a language other than English at home, and there are over 295 different languages represented in Indiana schools. Of these, over 93,000 students have been…

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)

Language study is classified through a series of definitions of important terms such as dialects, register, speech production, and function words. The content of communications is examined by attributing content to linguistic mediums. An example is presented to illustrate that teaching a language entails more than merely teaching grammar. The…

Describes benefits of teaching a course on the Soviet press to Russian language students, including the opportunity to integrate practical considerations of reading and conversation skills with theoretical considerations of philosophy and principles of mass communication in the Soviet Union. (Author/BK)

It is proposed that in an effort to promote awareness, positive self-concept, and healthy attitudes, and to reduce stereotyping, sexual identity issues should be incorporated into English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching. Open discussion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual issues may help to reduce the isolation of lesbians and gays,…

Controversy often arises over the teaching of English literature in courses and programs in English as a foreign language (EFL). However, language and literature cannot be separated. Each has something important to offer in the development of a well-rounded student. Literature teaches idiomatic language and cultural context; it can also improve…

Recent advances in French telecommunications, the "telematique" and "minitel" that facilitate data transmission by telephone are described and presented as evidence of a modern French culture that is underrepresented in the French civilization curriculum. (MSE)

The vocabulary-building curriculum is designed for students, teachers, coordinators, and curriculum developers in vocational English as a Second Language. The curriculum gives high intermediate to advanced students background for a course in beginning carpentry, surveying the essential tools and materials used in the carpenter's workplace.…

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…

Designed as a practical guide for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers in facilitating adult students' access to information about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), this manual offers materials, techniques, and guidelines for teachers who wish to introduce the topic into their curricula, and some discussion of the ESL teacher's…

An important category of culture to include in second language curriculum is functional culture, defined as the elements of surface and deep culture as well as civilization that must be learned to function while traveling, living, studying, or working in a foreign culture. Elements of functional culture include acting appropriately in everyday…

Although typical, traditional language lesson content has been imaginary characters and information, content based on the real world has been rare. Some possible content types to develop are another academic subject, the culture where the language is spoken, and interesting facts about the world in general. (MSE)

The authors stress the importance of using a "science-oriented" syllabus when teaching a second language for specific purposes and identify the linguistic concepts which must be incorporated into such a syllabus. They discuss their experience in teaching Italian for specific Purposes at the National University in Somalia. (CFM)

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)…