Language learning is not maximally efficient without intentional practice following tests that evaluate student achievement of an instructional objective. Post-evaluation practice must be at increasing intervals to maximize student retention, and must sometimes be unscheduled, to achieve automatic language usage. A distribution schedule and types…

Discusses the merits of a practice examination modeled after the final examination administered in German classes at the University of Nebraska. (RL)

In 1975, Maryland began training teachers who wished to experiment with Esperanto in their classes, usually as part of an exploratory course in a foreign language appreciation program. Teachers have observed a marked increase in motivation among students exposed to Esperanto. (Author/KM)

An approach is presented for providing students with communication practice by relating course material to the common purposes of language use. A system for classifying communication activities is outlined in order to insure realistic, varied practice. Examples are provided in Spanish. (SW)

The problem of when to begin foreign language instruction is considered. Detailed criticism is made of the conclusions of "Primary French in the Balance." An early start may be favored because of the effect on children's minds, and teaching and school improvements may solve problems of transition to advanced stages. (CHK)

Presents a method for classifying errors of second language learners for the purpose of: (1) evaluating information in samples of students' communication, (2) diagnosing individual learner needs, (3) developing individualized instructional materials, and (4) deciding which errors to correct first. Suggests applications of the method in…

The long-range objectives of ESL in bilingual/bicultural programs include: 1) writing acceptable prose; 2) reading English acceptably; 3) competence in grammatical analysis; 4) competence in verbal persuasion; 5) competence in skills of a coordinate bilingual; 6) functional comprehension of both cultures and 7) use of language variety. (CHK)

A British experiment in teaching French in primary schools was evaluated from 1964-1974 by the National Foundation for Educational Research. This paper describes the experiment and the students, their progress, and results of the study. (CHK)

This article questions the validity of many conclusions of the ten-year experiment with teaching French in primary schools in England and Wales in the report, "Primary French in the Balance." Some conclusions are based on restricted opinion conflicting with report data. Parallels are drawn with the "Pennsylvania Project." (CHK)

Secondary students of French interviewed a researcher posing as a French speaker. Error patterns and structures used were analyzed. Many errors were apparently due to interference; many others were apparently the result of reduction processes. Results suggested that errors might be corrected in terms of comprehensibility to a native speaker.…

These six resolutions of the Joint National Committee for Languages were promulgated on October 7, 1978 and aim at fostering foreign language education in the United States. (JB)