Describes use of popular music in the target language as springboard for various pedagogical goals such as discussing grammatical forms, discussing content of songs, and comparing singing styles. Students also learn more about modern music of target language. (BK)

Discusses benefits of creative writing activities for second-language students and describes literary competition for French and Spanish students at the University of Saskatchewan. (BK)

Outlines comparative approach to translation as flexible method which consists of comparing literary works from the target language word for word with several competent translations. Uses concrete example from Spanish literature. (BK)

Language and literature departments are being asked to reflect more on the best way to maintain the intellectual integrity of their programs in view of departmental reforms imposed on them by budgetary restraints. Discusses the mediating role played by translation in this kind of situation. (Author/VWL)

Two studies performed in secondary schools and at the University of Ottawa investigated the usefulness of Georges Henry's 1975 short readability formula, designed specifically for French, for evaluating instructional texts. (MSE)

One college faculty member's collection of unprepared students' amusing answers to test questions on French civilization includes errors of information, spelling, and grammar, and student humor. (MSE)

An experiment compared three approaches to error correction in college-level written composition and found that the ideal approach would be to combine, in a simple and realistic formula, the best features of the three models. (Author/MSE)

Discusses using structure drills in the foreign language classroom including use of same grammatical structure with slight variation, notional/functional drills, and situational dialogs. Suggests necessity of looking more closely at techniques in order to better understand teaching operation. (Author/BK)

A survey focusing on both French and French-Canadian culture, and on the availability of French civilization courses to non-Francophone students at Canadian universities, was used to gather information about course content, goals, activities, evaluation, materials, language use, and faculty desire for a network for idea-sharing. (MSE)

A study of the feminization of personal titles in French is reported, and teaching materials based on the findings are suggested for use in college-level intermediate or advanced language classes. The objective is to help language learners understand the phenomenon of feminization and its practical implications. (Author/MSE)

Describes an experience using the Silent Way in an elementary and intermediate sequence of college-level Spanish courses, outside of the laboratory setting. Information is drawn from student commentary, instructor and research assistant observation, and student test results. (MSE)

Demonstrates ways the sentence combining technique can play a significant role in developing the writing skill, in making students more aware of their creative ability, and in heightening their sense of stylistic preferences. A range of combining exercises using Italian as the model language are provided. (Author/AMH)

The formative evaluation of an experimental French class is described; several common evaluative techniques and their specific findings for this class are discussed; and the use of the formative approach for evaluation of innovative second language instruction is supported. (MSE)

The introduction to German adjective endings provided in most current college textbooks is seen as inadequate and contributing to the myth that endings are unapproachable. Students should be able to cope with an early introduction if the subject is approached honestly, in English, and without excessively high expectations. (MSE)

A classroom exercise is described that simulates the everyday interactions within a French apartment house. The cultural, linguistic, and affective benefits of the activity are discussed. (MSE)