The introduction of a listening comprehension component in the Israeli Matriculation examination of English as a Foreign Language has necessitated research into more effective methods of testing listening comprehension. Oral proficiency has been part of the examination for some time, but more reliable methods of evaluating the test are needed. An…

Suggests new approaches to the problem of listening comprehension for advanced foreign language learners. (Author)

This article describes an experiment conducted at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Romance Languages with first-year students. It was concluded that the language laboratory could best be employed to improve aural comprehension and to permit a more direct approach to contemporary French civilization. (Text is in French.) (Author/POP)

A study compared the relative values of listen-respond and listen-respond-compare language laboratory methods. College-level language students were examined and it was determined that the listen-respond method caused greater comprehension gain. Student recording was found ineffective for first-year students, and may be a definite hindrance. (CHK)

This paper presents arguments in favor of using partial dictation as a test of foreign language proficiency. In this kind of test, subjects listen to recordings of material in the foreign language and are required to fill in missing words in a written version of the recordings. Partial dictation is preferable to ordinary dictation in that: (1) it…

Aural comprehension is analyzed and seen as active, not passive. A catalog of interference factors leads to a catalog of learning objectives. These have primacy over questions of method. Hence media must be examined with respect to attainment of learning objectives. Lab work is especially useful here. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Conclusion of a two-part series on language laboratories. Part I appeared in the June 1971 issue of "Modern Languages." (DS)

Discusses general strategies and specific devices to motivate intermediate and advanced students to use the language laboratory frequently and efficiently. Suggests types of materials most effective for language laboratory use. (PMJ)

This article discusses how a language laboratory can be used effectively in an English as a second language/English as a foreign language program. The lab should be used primarily for listening comprehension, not for drill and repetition. (CFM)

A self-instructional technique for developing listening fluency in foreign language laboratories is reported. (RM)