The aim of the current study is to evaluate a preparatory progfram of a foreign language teaching department longitudinally via Patton's Utilization Focused Program Evaluation. More specifically, the study scrutinizes the pros, cons and aspects to be improved in the program, and whether the program contributes to overall English proficiency in two…

In the past decades, society in general has become strongly diverse. This change also affects schools. As a result, learning groups cannot be seen as homogeneous and taught in this way. One of the challenges is students' linguistic skills. Dealing with different linguistic competencies should not only be a focus of formal education in schools but…

Autonomy and self-learning are ongoing challenges for universities generally, and for their language centres specifically when it comes to language learning and acquisition. The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia has always paid attention to both fostering autonomy in its learners and developing customized language learning activities. Among…

Teaching of English in Saudi Arabia (KSA) is on top priority these days. Linguists, researchers, pedagogues and teachers have different perceptions and views regarding the approaches/methods/techniques of teaching of English in EFL/ESL classrooms. In today's modern learning scenario, it is believed that appropriate utilization of sophisticated…

Through a qualitative research design, this article investigates the impacts of differentiated laboratory instructional materials on English language learners' (ELLs) laboratory task comprehension. The factors affecting ELLs' science learning experiences are further explored. Data analysis reveals a greater degree of laboratory task comprehension…

This paper reports on a study which examined students' attitudes to learning grammar in autonomous contexts and their preferences for the learning materials with which to do so. In all, 38 students were surveyed and 13 of these then spent some time working in a language resource centre (LRC) with web- and paper-based materials. Students then…

Discusses the use of compact cassettes in the context of individualized foreign language teaching in laboratory work at the university level. Presents and comments on some technical data regarding the relative merits of cassettes v reels. (IFS/WGA)

Language laboratory practices, as they have developed during the 1960's, are examined with emphasis on the potential improvement of laboratory software. Convinced that weaknesses in the design of materials have led to the misuse and decline of the language laboratory, as well as to student boredom, the author offers alternative approaches in…

A general survey of U.S. schools and universities in 1965 suggests that 50 percent of them do not feature proper language laboratory facilities. Aimed at prospective laboratory buyers and those seeking equipment replacements, the article analyzes the laboratory's mechanical aspects, accessible locations, physical facilities and equipment…

This article discusses universal advantages and disadvantages of various audio systems which may be used for language learning. In order to encourage teachers and administrators to experiment with simpler systems than the conventional language laboratory, a list of several low-cost alternatives is given. The list gives the producer's name, a…

This contrastive listing of the possibilities and problems of the language laboratory is intended for the elementary and secondary school teacher. In this article, the author emphasizes the oral nature of language and the need to treat methods, materials, and machinery as a trinity. (RL)

The experimental use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) to replace conventional laboratory sessions for first-year German students at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, is described. Materials used in the program are outlined, including hardware, pre-text program, text program, student manual, and diagnostics. Pedagogical…

Recent progress in special purpose tape-recording devices for language learning are discussed, and two preliminary experiments in English teaching for Japanese students are reported on. Both programs use an untrained native speaker as an evaluator. One is an oral repetition test-training program of sentences. Problems concerning optimization of…

Concepts pertaining to the language laboratory are clarified for the layman unfamiliar with recent educational developments in foreign language instruction. These include discussion of: (1) language laboratory components and functions, (2) techniques used in the laboratory, (3) new linguistic methods, (4) laboratory exercises, (5) traditional…

This history of the language laboratory and the factors influencing its growth are briefly traced. Materials and equipment are described, and the problems involved in a laboratory operation are indicated. Also considered is the use of the language laboratory as a teaching machine and as a research device for education in general. A bibliography…