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…

Discusses the suitability of functional syllabuses as a basis for general course design, and means whereby functionally oriented materials may be integrated within existing language programs. (Author/AM)

The relationship of methadology to syllabus and course objectives in second language courses is discussed, and the use of a syllabus with built-in methodology advocated. A specific example is given. (RM)

An alternative model for the 16+ examinations presently being tested by examining boards is suggested which would allow for differing levels of achievement for different student populations. (RM)

Ideas and guidelines are offered for teachers interested in creating a simulated French village for French language instruction. The discussion includes the rationale and process of inventing a village scenario and its necessary components, educational objectives, and linguistic content of the exercise. (MSE)

A discussion of the term "grammar" in the context of second-language teaching and learning looks at various approaches to/definitions of grammar, including linguistic, psychological, sociological, and pedagogical grammars. Pedagogical grammars are viewed as learning tools for the second-language classroom, and their properties and components are…

A language school teacher explains some of his methods for teaching beginning French, including course content, use of drill and homework, pronunciation, and the use of choral speaking to teach stress and intonation. (SJL)

The problem of devising a course in business communications for students of English as a Second or Foreign Language is addressed. A way to approach course design in general is described, using creative problem solving and decision making and a partial linguistic analysis of business writing. (one reference) (LB)

The advantages of a defined syllabus in second language teaching, especially in relation to public examinations, are discussed. The origin and development of the York defined syllabuses are described, and extracts are given from the introductory document and the French and Russian syllabuses. (RM)

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…

Development of a course in French for tourism and the hotel industry in Sweden is chronicled, focusing on the process of functional analysis used to determine appropriate language content. A general functional outline of touristic French and an outline of language functions specific to a restaurant situation are presented. (MSE)

Problems of development of a defined syllabus for modern language courses are discussed, as well as the relationship of the syllabus to testing and public examinations in particular. (RM)

Development of four one-credit oral communication English courses designed to fit students' schedules at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez is reported. The courses emphasize cooperative communication skills and specialized skills. Simulation and pair/group activities are described. (eight references) (LB)

It is proposed that early introduction to basic French phonetic features and systematic emphasis on phonics allows students to learn to speak French clearly understandable to native speakers and relatively accent-free. In addition, this approach tends to improve listening skills. Important phonetic features to include in classwork are detailed.…

The "hot potato technique" (HPT) is described as an effective way to engage high school English-language students in class discussions. HPT involves using newspapers and magazines to stimulate participation. (LB)