Promoting learner autonomy is relevant in the field of applied linguistics due to the multiple benefits it brings to the process of learning a new language. However, despite the vast array of research on how to foster autonomy in the language classroom, it is difficult to find step-by-step processes to design syllabi and curricula focused on the…

An elementary school English second language program in Caen (France) is described and evaluated. The program evolved from national policy initiatives to reintroduce modern foreign languages in the primary schools. The eventual National Experiment involved a selected number of schools in which a foreign language was to be taught. Data for this…

The formative evaluation of the curriculum, student attitudes, French achievement, and implementation of an elementary level core French program illustrates the usefulness of classroom observation and points to some general shortcomings in core French program content and teaching strategies. (MSE)

The partial immersion program at Key Elementary School (Arlington, Virginia), where half the day is taught in English and half in Spanish, continued to be successful in its eighth year. Reasons for success include: dedication and in-depth understanding of immersion philosophy among principal, coordinator, teachers, and staff; innovations in both…

The partial immersion program at Key Elementary School (Arlington, Virginia), where half the day is taught in English and half in Spanish, continued to be successful in its ninth year. Reasons for success include: dedication and in-depth understanding of immersion philosophy among principal, coordinator, teachers, and staff; innovations in both…

A statewide Indiana study designed to pilot selected learning outcomes in foreign language programs is reported. It investigated the usefulness of the state's "Guide to Proficiency-Based Instruction in Modern Foreign Languages for Indiana Schools." The report outlines the project's background, the need for proficiency-based goals, the…

A pilot program of foreign language instruction in Scottish elementary schools is evaluated. The program consisted of 12 projects in 76 elementary schools, articulated with their 12 associated secondary schools. French was taught in six projects, Spanish in four, and German and Italian in one each. Regular classroom teachers were trained and given…

A guide for Kansas foreign language teachers contains general information about language teaching techniques, materials, and needs, and specific proficiency-based objectives for three instructional levels (novice, intermediate, and advanced). It is not language-specific and does not advocate a particular methodology, but is designed to answer…

The report describes and assesses an adult literacy program for Hmong immigrant adults in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The overall approach was to assist students in developing a new communication system using principles of intercultural communication and community networking. The instructional model had four components: native language literacy…

The research agenda for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching and learning summarizes issues identified for further study by ESL professionals over the period of 1996-1998. The document is designed to provide funding agencies with clear priorities for research suggested by leaders in the field, provide researchers with support for proposing…

A systematic approach to second language curriculum development is outlined, enumerating the phases and activities involved in developing and implementing a sound and effective language program. The first chapter describes a system whereby all language teaching activities can be classified into approaches, syllabuses, techniques, exercises, or…

This book is designed as both a methods text and practical guide for school districts and teachers involved in foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels (grades K-8). Its primary concern is with majority-language speakers and with beginning-level classes. Brief introductory sections outline key concepts for success.…

The Louisiana guide for administration of secondary language programs in grades 4-8 outlines the state foreign language mandate and offers guidelines and suggestions for a variety of program elements. An introductory section gives the broad rationale for foreign language instruction and cites the state mandate. The guide then proceeds to specify:…

The Methodologies of Bilingual Instruction in Literacy Education (MOBILE) project served 359 native Spanish- and Haitian Creole/French-speaking students at 2 high schools in its first year of funding. The project provided supplementary instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), native language arts (NLA), and bilingual mathematics,…

This handbook provides guidelines and forms for evaluating second language teachers' performance and second language programs. The first section, which addresses the supervision and evaluation of language teachers, outlines basic principles (supervisory goals, evaluator attitudes, supervisory visits, and follow-up conferences), gives instructions…