The plight of Latin studies in American schools is exposed in the introductory remarks in this paper. Personalized approaches to instruction are discussed, and the author enumerates ways in which the classics may be used to arouse the aesthetic sensitivities of children. Teachers are urged to try to make Latin relevant to the needs and interests…

Student attitudes toward foreign language instruction are examined by means of an overview of 12 surveys conducted at high schools and colleges across the U.S. Findings indicate that students who are unsatisfied with their progress in learning a foreign language may have set unrealistic goals for themselves at the outset. Often they feel they are…

Noting that seven-eights of the world's population does not speak English, the author cites reasons for requiring that students study languages and literature. He observes that if American students are to serve in the world effectively, they must be prepared for such service. Particularly emphasized in the author's reasoning is the notion that…

This illustrated booklet on career opportunities requiring proficiency in a second language is intended primarily for students in elementary and secondary schools. Cartoon figures clarify the statistical information and help the student understand the many and varied kinds of vocational careers available. Teachers will find this a helpful…

This brochure for parents and prospective students of French points out career opportunities available to qualified speakers of French. Suggestions concerning student eligibility and the time requirements of language programs are also offered. (RL)

Selected passages from "Alice in Wonderland," seen as being analogous to the current state of the art of language instruction in American Schools, illustrate the decline of authority in the language classroom as a motivating force. Criticism is directed to the "bandwagon approach," which has led to the emergence of such terms as "program…

Articles written by teachers of Russian for their peers in similar classroom environments are intended to aid in the development of curricular innovation. The articles, all based on practical and direct experience, include: (1) "Direct Methods for Teaching Russian," (2) "The Eclectic Approach to Teaching Russian," (3) "So-Called Linguistic…

This report focuses on the nature and structure of the question and its use as an educational technique enabling the language teacher to involve his students in the use of the target language. Discussion concentrates on: (1) the question in the basic level class, (2) the question as a testing technique, (3) the question as a vocabulary activator…

Noting that foreign language requirements have been abolished, reduced, or modified between 1966 and 1971 in over 45 percent of the B.A. degree-granting institutions in the United States, the author probes into the current status and uses of the language laboratory. It is suggested that the widespread decline in language enrollments is due in…

This article comments on the use of radio, television, films, newspaper, and other printed materials to supplement existing programs and textbooks. Specific references to television networks and newspapers illustrate the type of cultural material suggested for classroom use. (RL)

This minicourse guide for teachers of French is intended to help motivate and prepare students for travel in France. Activities are outlined in eleven related areas, including (1) planning for the trip, (2) currency, (3) going through customs, (4) tipping, (5) shopping, (6) guided tours, (7) touring on your own, (8) social life and entertainment,…

By representing a language dialogue in French with its English translation, the author demonstrates how flexibility in dialogue construction can help motivate students who do not plan to major in the foreign language. Another section demonstrates innovative methods for helping teach the non-major to overcome pronunciation difficulties in French. A…

This booklet is intended to acquaint potential secondary school students of foreign languages and their parents with the purpose of studying a second language and the benefits which derive from such study. Questions and answers are given in the following sections: (1) Why Should You Study A Foreign Language?; (2) Should You Study A Foreign…

A series of four proposals for foreign language teachers suggesting the development of a "sales" approach to generate student motivation for language study is developed in this study. A brief analysis of advertising procedures used in television commercials underscores the importance of consumer motivation in sales programs. (RL)