This article presents the results of a mixed-method study that investigated the impact of an innovative project-based learning module, entitled "I am an author," on students' motivation and creativity, and also examined its positive and negative aspects emerging from students' evaluations. As part of this module, advanced learners of…

This article presents a writing project whose primary goal is the development of linguistic, cross-cultural, and meta-cognitive competencies through the study of a dark episode in French history--the German Occupation. Students create personas who all lived in the same building in 1939 and write their memoirs 60 years later. Following a brief…

Project-based learning (PBL) is described as a student-centered approach to learning in which students collaborate on sequential authentic tasks and develop a final project. Through opportunities to integrate both language and content learning, PBL practitioners suggest that meaningful language use and purposeful communication are fostered…

The theory that the goal of public performance can be used as a motivating tool in foreign language learning is the basis for the annual German-cafe theater evening described here. The evening of refreshments and entertainment, entirely produced by the German classes, illustrates authentic German cultural activities. (PMJ)

Projects of second-year university students enrolled in French classes are described. Instead of regular classes, projects on similar subjects were grouped and presented to the class as a whole. Student reactions obtained through a questionnaire are also reported. (SW)

This article recommends the use of individual student projects in community college foreign language classes to capture attention and foster communication. The technique is described, concrete examples provided and suggestions given for adaptation to secondary school or university classes. (CHK)

A description of an exchange between an American high school German class and one in West Germany to explore and compare the interests of German and American teenagers. Items of interest to teenagers were exchanged. Various ways in which student motivation was increased are noted. (Author/AMH)