While the usual uses of dictionaries in second-language learning (decoding and direct translation) are often nonproductive, there are good reasons for teaching dictionary use to language students. The dictionary is an interesting and essential resource, and a tool for lifelong learning. (MSE)

Picture dictionaries and word books published in France and intended for preschool or primary school children are listed and discussed. Their usefulness in promoting foreign language interest is noted, and observations are made about the contents' reflection of social reality. (MSE)

Techniques for using French history textbooks as materials for teaching French culture are provided, including ideas on selecting texts, uncovering the author's viewpoint, attending to cultural symbols and myths, discovering perspectives on the United States, assessing intellectual style and method, and understanding the French educational system.…

Describes a study conducted to determine college student preferences for reading in the study of French. Recommendations are made on the premise that individual interests should be taken into consideration in selection of reading materials. (AM)

A third-year university French composition course aims to develop student interest in/knowledge about a topic; promote discussion/writing of ideas, personal opinions, and experiences; help students explore the topic through progressively more difficult writing tasks; focus on communication of ideas, with some attention given to form; teach…

Use of French television commercials as a pedagogical tool has a great advantage over "two-dimensional" advertisements because they provide authentic and current spoken language which is often reinforced by repetitions and musical tunes as well as visual slogans on the screen. (CB)

A discussion of techniques for creating active listening in the French conversation class looks at preconceptions about conversational language classes, the responsibility of each partner in the interaction (speaker and listener), choice of materials for discussion, preparation of classroom presentations, and the teacher's responsibility in…

An experimental program for university summer students of French as a second language that provided a computer resource center and a variety of courseware, authoring aids, and other software for student use is described and the problems and advantages are discussed. (MSE)

French news broadcasts by Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA) may prove overwhelmingly difficult for typical intermediate-level students because it is written discourse in an audiovisual medium. However, thoughtful selection of material and careful preparation of related exercises can make SCOLA features rewarding even for students with…

The origins, organization, and methods of a Columbia University course offering computer-based instruction in French composition are outlined, and the progress of four individual students is described. (MSE)

It is argued that a traditional, historically-oriented course in 17th- and 18th-century French civilization continues to be an appropriate and effective approach for undergraduate French study, in preparation for later, more sophisticated cultural analysis. Four course components are discussed: class lectures; literary text selection; textbook…