Acquiring proficiency in the various English language skills and the ability to utilize those skills as a medium of learning is a daunting task. Research suggests that children who do not speak English as their first language (L1) need five to seven years in school before they can perform as well in English as their English peers who are native…

As is the worldwide trend, scientists in China face strong and increasing pressure to publish their research in international peer-reviewed journals written in English. There is an acute need for graduate students to develop the required language skills alongside their scientific expertise, in spite of the distinct division currently existing…

Comments on the decision of the Parliament of Europe to stress foreign language teaching in the member countries, and on the Council of Europe's efforts in curriculum planning ("threshold" and "waystage" level). Sees many problems appearing in the individual countries in forming teaching plans for their school systems. (IFS/WGA)

The department chair's responsibilities for program planning and development are discussed, embracing three broad areas: conception and development of new projects, application and inclusion of projects in the department's course of study, and cultivation of agreement and support within the wider college community. (LB)

A review essay is presented of two curricular documents that establish guidelines for the planning and teaching of languages other than English, French, or Aboriginal in Ontario secondary schools. Some problems and inconsistencies are noted, but the guides are considered to be helpful. (13 references) (Author/LB)

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 evaluation of second language programs is an educational task with profound potential for improving pedagogical practice. Evaluators who educate perform more than just a "service" function by helping people to learn, develop themselves, and refine their abilities to work more effectively. (CB)

Recommends that foreign language courses in college be restructured to provide separate tracks for students pursuing language study for different purposes. The tracks are: (1) for language majors, (2) for students preparing for international professions, and (3) for students who need to fulfill foreign language requirements. (SED)

The need for qualified teachers of French as a second language and ways of renewing teacher education programs to meet the need are discussed. Preservice and inservice teacher education are considered. (27 references) (Author/MSE)

During the last 40 years, there has been a great number of innovations in English Language Teaching (ELT). The method by which these innovations have been diffused in many parts of the world has been through the project approach. This paper explores the suitability and effectiveness of this approach as a model for the diffusion of ELT innovation,…

French immersion teacher training should have its own structure, philosophy, and criteria, and should not be confused with or diluted by other types of teacher training. At Simon Fraser University, French immersion teachers spend twelve months specializing in immersion, with six months spent in classroom practice. (MSE)

The use of the communicative approach to second-language instruction in elementary and secondary education is discussed in light of experiences with adult second-language education, focusing on the necessary differences in approach due to differences in need, program length, institutional requirements, and student experiences. (MSE)

Relates the experience of the staff of an aquaculture outreach program in Northeast Thailand in implementing an English for special purposes program. By actively involving learners in both the needs analysis and program design, teachers were able to adapt the program content to the requirements of the students. (15 references) (JL)

This position statement was developed by members of the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages to assist school districts as they develop middle school foreign language programs. (JL)

A President's Commission makes several recommendations for a national effort to increase Americans' competence in foreign languages. Federal funding for teacher education programs, for institutions that encourage foreign language learning, for the development of special language and international studies high schools, and for experimental teaching…