Fundamental prerequisites for successful cross-cultural instruction in language programs are outlined in this paper. Attainment of instructional objectives is seen to be dependent on teacher attitudes and educational preparation. Problems confronting language teachers attempting to attain a measure of sophistication in the theory of cross-cultural…

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…

The often conflicting roles of the foreign language teacher and the guidance counselor are explored in this paper. Teachers are advised to foster improved communication in the classroom and thereby help students improve communication skills. A list of commonly held attitudes of language teachers and guidance personnel toward each other are…

The nature and dimensions of the crises facing the language teaching profession are explored in this speech. Community and teacher attitudes must be redirected if language learning is to remain at the center of humanistic education. In achieving such change, teachers are exhorted to become "consumer-oriented" and utilize existing media to their…

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)

The principal discussion in this paper focuses on the student, teacher, administrator, and community as agents of educational change and on the conjectured future change in the field of language instruction. Additional comments on the fourth volume of the ACTFL-sponsored annual review of language instruction, "Foreign Language Education: A…

A prognosis of the possible state of the art of language instruction during the 70's suggests that new programs combined with new media and different attitudes may save this facet of American education from extinction. A review of the golden decade in foreign language instruction, the 1960's, discusses the role of the American Council of Teachers…

Pedagogical and psychological implications of group instruction in the foreign language classroom are explored in this article. Discussion of Lorraine E. Heard's study, "Foreign Language and the Group Context: Expanded Student Roles," contrasts the classical objectives of language instruction ("purposive,""cognitive," and "concerned with input and…

Central to this paper is the belief that the principal value of classical studies is that they are the foundation for a liberal education. The author proposes that the whole of the Graeco-Roman civilization be included in the development of the curriculum while urging interdisciplinary studies wherever possible. Commentary focuses on teaching…

The debate on the merits of classical education is reviewed through an examination of views of Henry Sidgwick in his "Essays on a Liberal Education" (1867). Running commentary focuses on two major concepts: (1) considerable change in teaching methodology is necessary if Latin is to survive, and (2) a majority of teachers in classical studies need…

The nature and function of a body of educators in Hawaii known as the Traveling Teachers Teams are examined in this article. Emulating the business practice of sending sales representatives into the field to inform prospective clients of pertinent information vital to business success, the teachers attempt to inform the general public of the value…

The concept of "motivation" is examined in this article in terms of anxiety levels and anxiety reduction. Three major factors bearing upon the degree to which students are motivated toward the study of foreign languages are personal interest, attitude, and ability. Dr. Smith urges more individualized instruction and personalized student evaluation…

A compilation of the results of an attitudinal questionnaire completed by a 19-member panel of leading language instruction methodologists focuses on some 36 questions fundamental to both researchers and teachers. Topics include questions concerning the use of English in the classroom, teaching of grammar, transformation generative grammar,…

This doctoral dissertation identifies certain factors which influence the attitudes of Florida modern language teachers toward contemporary teaching methodology. The study begins with a philosophical and historical view of methods of teaching modern foreign languages. Data, collected from 10 percent of the modern foreign language teachers in…

This paper probes for reasons of student discontent with current language instruction and suggests general educational objectives for all levels of instruction. The author comments on these areas of concern: educational relevance, foreign language requirements, educational objectives, native speakers, individualizing instruction, utilization of…