Little research has been carried out on the effect of task repetition on young learners' negotiation of meaning (NoM) strategies and on pair dynamics. The present study aims to fill this gap by analysing the interaction of 60 dyads of third- and fourth-year primary English as a foreign language learners (8-9, 9-10 years old, respectively) while…

This article reports on in-depth interviews conducted with 12 teachers of modern languages in relation to how they dealt with the challenge of transition from primary to secondary school, with special reference to modern foreign languages. Findings suggest that only one of the 12 secondary schools was well placed to facilitate a smooth transition,…

Following the Dearing Report on the provision and teaching of modern languages in England, there has been a drive to establish the teaching of modern languages in primary schools throughout England. This article looks at how the teaching of modern languages in the primary school (MLPS) in Scotland has developed since 1989--when the first pilot…

As the 2010 deadline for implementation of the National Languages Strategy in primary schools approaches, how effective is the current national strategy likely to be in embedding modern languages successfully into the primary curriculum? Have lessons been learnt from the last--and ultimately failed--attempt to introduce languages into the…

Since the publication in England of the National Languages Strategy, there has been much debate concerning the aims of primary modern foreign language (PMFL) teaching. This article presents research into the beliefs of tutors and pre-service teachers in training on Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses with a PMFL specialism in…

Reports on a questionnaire relating to French in the primary school sent to foreign language advisors who represented local education authorities in the United Kingdom. Results indicate that in more than half of the authorities represented in the survey, less than 10% of schools teach a foreign language in Key Stage 2. French is the dominant…

This article considers Modern Languages in the Primary School (MLPS), which have reached a crucial stage in both England and Scotland. It looks at developments in the two countries and considers these against both a historical and European background. The authors, drawing on their practical experience, put forward some of the key points to be…

As readers of this journal will know, 2010 will see all KS2 (ages 7-11) pupils in England entitled to learn a modern foreign language in normal curriculum time. This development of the commitment to primary language learning should provide an excellent opportunity and experience for pupils, while at the same time requiring some radical changes for…

Provides an overview of some issues arising from the experience of introducing the early teaching of modern languages in schools associated with the Kent Primary French Project. These issues transcend the immediate question of primary modern languages and bear directly upon some key themes in the reevaluation of primary organization and…

Presents findings of a study into the use of German as the main teaching medium in fourth- and fifth-form grammar school classes. The article focuses on pupil perceptions of the use of German in the classroom. Results indicate that students are aware of, and satisfied with, the extent to which German is used in their class. (27 references) (CK)

Describes Greek language preparation for English students participating in an exchange program as part of their primary teacher training. It is concluded that the self-directed preparation can be improved by an outline of the stages in the learning of Greek, the availability of required support materials, progress checks, and testing of students…