In their tenure as French teachers at the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois, the authors have continually sought an effective instructional model for their K-8 students. Their school is blessed to have a stable and historic French program for young learners, and each of their students is required to take French from kindergarten…

Belgium's German-speaking community feels the need for multilingualism more than most. Since 1990, French language instruction has been seriously promoted in elementary school, as much for teachers as for students. A six-year curriculum plan takes students from early exposure to creative and autonomous language use. A pilot program is under way.…

This publication is a legal document that specifies the minimum performance outcomes for student learning within a three-course sequence. These outcomes are defined in terms of the contexts for language learning, the communicative acts that students will engage in and the repertoire needed to carry out these acts. The overarching goal of this…

The Canadian National Core French Study's (NCFS) views on what culture is and how it should be taught is examined and compared with more traditional approaches to the teaching of culture. Implications for educators are discussed in light of the NCFS recommendations and other theoretical positions on the teaching of culture. (six references)…

Describes an experiment in teaching language to young children through nature study. Activities are outlined, including the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural objectives for each. Brief illustrated descriptions are also given. (MSE)

Describes the French language television program conducted during the last 10 years at Sarre University and evaluates its results. Emphasizes that the TV courses are the main component of the spoken French curriculum and discusses the teaching methods evolved specifically for television instruction, especially those intended to develop…

A three-phase procedure for developing instructional units, which when used with professional development can enhance teachers' understanding and implementation of Canada's National Core French Study multidimensional curriculum, is described. The procedure includes reflection, production, and piloting phases. (Author/MSE)

Describes the use of television to teach spoken French at the University of Sarre, ten years after the beginning of the program. Discusses teacher training, methodology problems, use of ordinary TV programs, rather than videotape didactic materials, and the organization of courses. Concludes by summing up achievements and plans for future…

The National Film Board of Canada's video series "Pour tout dire" was developed during the National Core French Study and actively involved two of the study's members. The series integrates a number of recommendations from the study and contributes to their implementation in the classroom. (Author/MSE)

In response to requests from students for information about the role of women in target-language cultures, a curriculum was developed by the Minneapolis public schools for women's studies in the high school foreign language classroom. The focus was on women in French, German, and Spanish-speaking countries. The role of women in these cultures has…

Argues that coordinated language-learning sequences provide continuity for learners and clearer understandings about the interrelationships of curriculum, instruction, outcomes, and evaluation for teachers. The article discusses articulation in French, German, and Spanish programs; vertical models of articulation; horizontal articulation; program…

An Italian program integrating second language instruction into the elementary school curriculum is described. The program is seen as a forward-looking effort but lacking in important cultural content. Discrepancies between objectives and classroom reality are discussed. (MSE)

The general language education syllabus, proposed as one of four syllabi resulting from Canada's National Core French Study, is described, with suggestions for content and general objectives. A four-stage teaching approach, teacher planning process, possibilities for facilitation integration with the other syllabi, and the role of this syllabus…

The task force report on the culture syllabus, one of four syllabi in the recommended new Canadian core French curriculum, reviews literature and present practice, outlines syllabus objectives, lists content, and suggests a scope and sequence and methodology. Notes on integration with other syllabi, teacher training, and evaluation are included.…

The problems encountered by a French teacher in a Danish experimental interdisciplinary secondary education program, and the solutions he tried, are examined. Among the problems were student and teacher prejudices, program articulation, and differences in work methods. (MSE)