This paper reviews the current crisis in reading ability decline in British primary schools and how modern language teaching methods are remedying this crisis, specifically the problems in exam and syllabus design. It is suggested that the juxtaposition of phonic and psycholinguistic methods in teaching reading are the root of the continuing…

Describes an English as a second language classroom activity adaptable to students of any age and at any level of language proficiency. The music story stimulates individual input and real communication, as the students must create stories from their imagination, inspired by listening to a certain musical selection. (SL)

Describes a short exercise used in the English as a second language classroom which provides variety and/or a change of pace. Four-line rhyming poems with accompanying illustrations can be incorporated into activities which help students expand their vocabulary, learn new language functions and structures, and acquire intonation and stress…

Examines the use of color as a visual teaching aid in the foreign language classroom, assisting English-speaking children learning Spanish. In the area of phonology, color can be used to highlight difficulties in pronunciation, showing similarities and differences with some English cognate. (SL)

A book entitled "Interactive French Language Curricula of the Future: A Study of Computer and Video Potential" by Lydie Meunier-Cinko is summarized. Some examples of current computer and video use are outlined, with language skill applications discussed, and future design of interactive language curricula is examined. (MSE)

Discusses positive and negative aspects of teaching language use--the Communicative Approach. While the Communicative Approach is learner-centered and develops the students' communicative competence, the design and current tactics of this methodology are criticized as being "decontextualized" and "abstracted." (SL)

Discusses the course "Weimar Culture" as a means of encouraging further German study and as an alternative to a literature course. Outlines the course readings and viewings, the major problems and areas of concentration, and the focal point of each unit. (EKN)

A chair of a university's department of Romance languages and literature addresses the status of two high priorities in the teaching of foreign languages: the integration of linguistics in the "new" curriculum; the continuing development of language teaching approaches in the classroom; and the commitment of foreign language programs in the…

The initial phase of an intensive language proqram relying on emotional involvement and close, interpersonal teacher/student contact is described. For duplication elsewhere, an overview is provided of the curriculum, syllabus, Master/Apprentice teaching team, student input, teacher evaluations, and funding. (PMJ)

Designed for teachers, supervisors, administrators, and community advocates, this book provides practical advice on how to establish, maintain, and improve foreign language programs at the primary and middle school levels. Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) options are explored, ways to evaluate existing programs are explained, and…

Foreign language (FL) needs is a new interdisciplinary area of research developing between applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and educational planning and evaluation. FL needs consist of the demands, wishes, and expectations of the whole society, its groups and individuals, reflecting the relationship of their contemporary and future existence…

The syllabus for New York State's elementary and secondary education second language programs is intended to inform local school district personnel about important characteristics of successful programming and provide a framework for development, management, and implementation. It specifies educational goals and components of the intended learning…