In this article, the authors discuss the importance of the skill of synthesis in university-level writing. They outline specific challenges faced by students of English as a second language with synthesis as a writing skill. They then describe a lesson that they created for an English for academic purposes class for graduate students in the field…

This regional dossier aims at providing a concise description of and basic statistics on minority language education in a specific region of Europe--the Isle of Man. Aspects that are addressed include features of the education system, recent educational policies, main actors, legal arrangements, and support structures, as well as quantitative…

Of all the resources and techniques available to the classroom teacher of English as a second or foreign language, none are more neglected than audiovisual aids. Properly planned, constructed, and employed, such aids can help not only to improve the overall language program but also to enhance the classroom atmosphere and to ensure greater student…

Veteran and novice teachers of foreign languages at the Pre-K-8 level often state that visiting classrooms of accomplished teachers is the best professional development they have ever experienced. It is one thing to read about best practices and another to see them in action and then be able to implement them. Having the chance to visit the class…

This report of one program and one person highlights several successful initiatives that resulted in the growth of the German Program at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. While the ideas reflect common best practices of many successful programs seeking to maintain their profile in today's educational environment, the energy, commitment and…

Teaching English became a professional and academic field from a half century ago. Many researches for teacher education and teacher training have been conducted in order to raise the English as well as the foreign language trainers' knowledge and capabilities in carrying out effective lessons in classroom. During second millennium of speedily…

Two articles address issues in the development of French and Spanish language programs in elementary schools: instructional materials and time and money factors. The information presented is drawn from experience in developing the Radford, Virginia FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program. The first article describes some aspects…

A national survey sought data on fall 1990 enrollments in Italian classes in U.S. colleges and universities, including junior and community colleges, to supplement previous surveys. Findings show that Italian is regularly taught in 370 institutions with a total combined enrollment of 44,102 students. Institution-by-institution data are tabulated.…

The popularity of French second language instruction, the rebirth of bilingual education, and efforts to establish links with French industry locating in Eastern Europe offer an example to France. It is clear that Eastern Europe views bilingualism as a means of revitalizing the region's role in the European community. (MSE)

The special needs of college students with learning disabilities are often challenging because of the variety of disabilities and accommodations. An alternative, parallel Spanish course at Old Dominion is described in the larger context of postsecondary foreign-language requirements. (Contains 25 references.) (Author/LB)

The University of Calgary's response to requests from the Canadian Parents for French for a review of bilingual opportunities at the institution is chronicled. The response is analyzed in terms of the financial and pedagogical problems operative on the postsecondary level. (MSE)

English as a second language teachers and students must become culturally aware to understand the impact of their own and others' cultural influences on language learning. Suggestions for integrating cross-cultural awareness into the language classroom are offered. (DF)

The guide to self-study of programs teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) contains a series of essays on aspects of the self-study process and products. "Part One: Insights into the Self-Study Process" includes the following articles: "The TESOL Self-Study Program" (Ann C. Wintergerst, Carol J. Kreidler); and "Undertaking a…

A successful advanced college-level French conversation course using French theater as a basis for students to learn oral skills has six phases: an overview of the history of French theater, reading, adaptation of the text, rehearsal-readings, final rehearsals, and performance. (MSE)

The topic of minority groups is presented as a subject matter for a fourth-semester college German course combining culture with an introduction to literature. A course on Turks is described and textbook treatment of the topic is reviewed. A list of selected works on and by minorities suitable for German courses is appended. (18 references)…