Argues for cooperation between university language departments and Self-Instructional Language Programs (SILP) coordinations, as well as for the recognition of the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs (NASILP) as a valuable center for standardization and evaluation. (AM)

Declining use of the Michigan State University Language Laboratory is reported. The facilities of the laboratory, its physical appearance and location are described, and possibilities for improvement are mentioned. Possible alternative uses for the laboratory are suggested. (RM)

The development of a method is described for the automatic ordering of texts based on the richness of their vocabularies. It further involves the specification of a basic vocabulary and of a gradual enlargement of this basic vocabulary linked to the study of the texts in the given order. (Author/RM)

This course blueprint was first drawn up in 1968 and was later coordinated by the Department of Russian at Birmingham University. Problems of self-instructional courses, details of a particular Russian course and why it had to be changed, and possible improvements for similar course are given. (SC)

Four factors are outlined as necessary for individualized learning and teaching programs. The implementation of these factors in the media-aided language programs, and particularly the German program, at the University of Minnesota is described. (RM)

Video programs have proven more successful for oral proficiency than traditional conversation in English language courses at Stockholm University. Video provides verbal and non-verbal forms of communication and a variety of life-like situations. It also raises students' attention and provides a model for students to imitate. (SC)

A teacher describes an intensive Spanish course and the methods used to create the kind of exposure to total culture a student would have visiting a Spanish country. Pronunciation and speaking are practiced through use of songs, records, tapes, and poetry; students write essays; and language and culture are interrelated. (CHK)

The new roles and functions of university language departments are discussed. A decline in younger language students is countered by growing adult demand for language training. New institutions or sections cater to new learning groups; extramural, decentralized and distance courses have developed. Advantages for student and university are…

In the study reported here, an attempt was made to measure the relative achievement of students enrolled in four intermediate-level college Spanish courses, including one of near-immersion design. Course designs differed in methods of teaching and in intensity; it was expected that these differences would be reflected in student achievement.…

Describes the African language program at Michigan State University, which provides (1) supervised, individualized instruction for high-demand languages, on two levels; (2) regular classroom instruction for Swahili and Hausa; and (3) non-credit, self-instructional programs for low-demand languages. Sample forms are appended. (AM)