Today's language classroom is vastly different from that of the mid- to late 20th century. The study is a meta-analysis of recent research which provided the means to identify current and emerging trends in the field. Informed by this research, some identified trends that are shaping the 21st century language classroom are outdated practices such…

Tapping into technology for foreign language learning is important, given that such learning is seen as vital to the nation's economic and cultural well-being. The development of technology has dovetailed nicely with a new paradigm of foreign language education, says Marty Abbott, director of education for the American Council on the Teaching of…

The methods and materials used in a language lab (LL) are analyzed. The theoretical advantages of the LL are enumerated, including its ability to provide a variety of programs and activities and its provision of an opportunity for students to listen critically to their voices. In order to determine if these advantages are being used, a set of…

A change in language laboratory use at the University of North Alabama has given new meaning to the lab requirement and role. While developing a language program, the developer reviewed the language lab's traditional role and found a mixed history with many negative aspects. Personal experience also revealed problems, including: students and…

An inexpensive way to foster interactive, participatory learning in the language laboratory through communicative tasks is described. Problems with traditional approaches are discussed, and enthusiastic reactions from both students and teachers to the University of Maryland-College Park multimedia approach are reported. (39 references) (LB)

The assignment of listening tasks for students to do while listening to conversational English tapes in a Japanese language lab is described. Students are instructed to create their own visuals. Sample activities and procedures are outlined. (Contains 13 references.) (LB)

This combined directory and bibliography contains information on 2,000 resources, including print, non-print, and organizational issues, related to computer-assisted language learning and teaching and desktop publishing. While most citations of print and non-print materials are from the 1980s, some were produced in the 1970's. Topics include…

A sequel to the booklet "A Review of the Different Types of Instructional Materials Available to Teachers and Lecturers," this booklet begins by looking at how audio materials can be used in different types of instructional situations, i.e., mass instruction, individualized learning, and group learning. The basic principles of sound recording and…

Presents the historical, technological, and pedagogical factors that led to high expectations in the use of language laboratories for teaching foreign languages. Presents findings of five studies on laboratory effectiveness showing that efficiency tests were largely irrelevant and inconclusive. Includes 10 proposals for language laboratory use.…

Challenges language educators to use the computer wisely, as a tool for more effective learning of language, which is so crucial to the building of world-wide bridges of understanding in this age of economic interdependence and nuclear threat. (Author/SED)

The Office of Education, in cooperation with the Modern Language Association of America, conducted a survey of language laboratories in secondary schools and institutions of higher education during the school year 1957-58. The procedure was to send a short questionnaire to all the schools and colleges known to have a language laboratory and…

Whether in the science or language laboratory, carrying out health care procedures or demonstrating performance arts, faculty can improve skill evaluation through transparency and authenticity in exam construction, format, and grading.

Title III of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 authorized a program of financial assistance of State educational agencies for projects of local educational agencies for the acquisition of laboratory or other special equipment needed in the teaching of modern foreign languages and for minor remodeling of laboratory or other space to be…

The handbook presents a variety of second language teaching techniques, some old and some new, for use with technological equipment. Each chapter focuses on a specific piece of equipment or technology, or in some cases, two technologies that share some characteristics and can be used similarly. Each chapter begins with a brief description of the…

Greater numbers of Beginning French students at Harvard University are requesting duplicate audio cassettes of their language study program in order to avoid working under the constraints of the language laboratory. This study indicates that the majority of students prefer practicing aural/oral skills outside of the language laboratory. (MSE)