This document discusses the various problems students and teachers face in Asian language education programs at both the elementary secondary and university levels. Asian languages are much more difficult to learn than more commonly-taught languages like French or Spanish, and the available curriculum and testing materials are inadequate. There…

Teaching conversation will always pose a great challenge to the foreign language instructor. Even by the third year of language study, the typical time for this skill's development, students have neither the fluency nor the confidence necessary to speak easily. Also, since many are ill at ease in conversing in their native language, getting these…

A French language program used in a Montessori school with children in preschool through junior high grades is described. The program provides language instruction in the classroom by a French specialist as well as separate French classes, a compromise between immersion and the Montessori methodology. The children are able to work independently…

The current status of the teaching of oral and aural skills in university French language courses in Great Britain is examined. A review of survey results finds that French teaching at the university level remains much as it was 20 to 30 years ago despite increasing calls for change, and that more serious attempts at change are found in Scottish…

As a result of increasing interest in merging business and the humanities in the college curriculum and the efforts of many German and American organizations working together, a test was developed to measure the German language competence of American students planning to work for American companies trading with or located in West Germany or for…

The description of an international business major in a small liberal arts college outlines the program's development and the degree requirements as they have changed since its inception in 1977. In this process, foreign languages have become an integral part of the program design, reinforcing its value in the minds of faculty advisers as well as…

Reports from the California State University, the University of California, and the California community colleges consider their roles in the Pacific Rim region. The Pacific Rim includes all lands with at least a portion of their coastlines fronting on the Pacific Ocean. Of concern are: the need for changes in program offerings and exchange…

La Escuelita, a primary-level program of second language (Spanish) instruction set in an elementary school, was developed for preschool and elementary education students through the collaborative work of enthusiastic, creative teachers and a strong support group of school officials, interested students, and parents. (CB)

This report, the last in a series of four 1996 releases of students' opinions, represents a continued effort by MetLife to provide insight and understanding to current issues of education in American public schools. The survey assessed student opinions and interests in learning about multicultural topics. Public school students from middle and…

A Language and International Trade program and a proposed Engineering for International Careers at Clemson University are described, including issues related to curriculum and faculty recruitment and credentialing. Implications for language professionals are discussed. (eight references) (LB)

Describes the Telecommunications, Education, Career Enhancement Project (TECH) at Teachers College in New York City that focuses on improving the basic English skills of intermediate ESL students from Haiti. Discusses educational objectives; student projects using video, television, and multimedia; student achievements and attendance records. A…

Describes a pilot survey conducted in an international, English-language K-12 school to determine what parents value in international education. Finds that parents in this school rated English language education higher than international education. Ponders whether these parents also view international education and English language education as…

Numerous reports and articles have decried the mediocrity of U.S. students' foreign language skills and have called for improved language education. One study that looked at foreign language education in 19 countries suggests several characteristics of successful foreign language programs: starting early, providing an articulated framework,…

The final report on a Mercy College (New York) program of mathematics and vocational English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction for limited-English-proficient workers in a manufacturing company is presented. The report consists of documentary materials, and is organized according to the five chronological terms in which the program operated,…

The evolution of a 2-week summer honors program in French for high school students, inaugurated in 1980 and conducted on a university campus, is chronicled. The program was designed to offer enriching experiences in language review, new skill building, French culture, understanding of French phonology, and conversation on topics of interest to…