In 2015, language faculty and administrators at the University of Virginia met to evaluate the needs of the more than 20 language programs offered on campus. A priority emerged for language-learning space better equipped to facilitate authentic interaction and communication. The committee conceived of an alternative language-learning space that…

This study investigates the ways in which synchronous and asynchronous activities create an online language laboratory that mediates second language (L2) learning for 188 L2 university participants over a 6-week period. Completion of tasks and pre-, post-, and weekly surveys were analyzed. Statistical analyses were run on self-rated questions…

Wall Street English has built online activities that allow students to record phrases and receive word-level Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) driven pronunciation feedback. Students in language centres in China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Italy (N=2,867) used ASR-Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) activities, and some (N=482) completed a…

Autonomy and self-learning are ongoing challenges for universities generally, and for their language centres specifically when it comes to language learning and acquisition. The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia has always paid attention to both fostering autonomy in its learners and developing customized language learning activities. Among…

In order to motivate ESL students and engage them in different tasks effectively, it is necessary to make the tasks novel to the students. As one possible way of introducing novelty in the course, films could be used advantageously. In this study, a writing course integrated with videos of movies and cultural festival of different regions of the…

In this article we present an investigation that focused on the students' perception of using Blogs as a means to supplement in-class language learning activities. Blogs are easy to manage and enable students to publish their work in a chronological manner. They help students to engage in online exchanges and promote learner autonomy. This study…

THIS PAPER WAS PRESENTED AT A TWO-PART CONFERENCE ON PLANNING AND OPERATING LANGUAGE LABORATORIES. THE MAIN TOPIC OF THE PAPER CENTERED ON IDEAL LEARNING SITUATIONS IN THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY, CONSIDERING THE TOTAL LABORATORY-CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT. SPECIFIC DISCUSSIONS WERE INCLUDED ON (1) LABORATORY INTEGRATION WITH THE CLASSROOM, (2) LEARNING…

This digest examines ways in which the foreign language laboratory can serve to support communicative approaches to language instruction by becoming interactive. Although, in one sense, this can be achieved through the acquisition of interactive hardware, this paper focuses on the pedagogical approaches to language lab use that create interaction…

Discusses the language laboratory within the context of various theories of second language learning and in relation to its value in language learning, specifically in terms of the pattern drill. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Perspectives on and methods in second language teaching have changed rapidly during the past 10 years. So also have the role and function of the language laboratory and the laboratory instructor. One area of concern, listening, has been somewhat neglected; generally it has been taught toward the end of increasing speaking proficiency. A review of…

This is account of a foreign language curriculum developed by the Norwalk Public School System in Connecticut. It emphasizes bilingual interchanges between students of various ethnic backgrounds and a classroom setting that uses tape equipment to personalize basic linguistic concepts. (Editor/RK)

Describes the Audio-Immersion language laboratory project, which made students responsible for their own progress in second-language acquisition and provided only marginal support as students learned to use the listening library consisting of a wide range of materials. (CB)

A review of stages in the evolution of the language laboratory shows that its function has changed in the past 20 years. Originally it was described as a way of providing a means for abundant practice of audiolingual drills. Currently, it is described as a learning center with multiple resources and functions. It might be characterized as a…

This paper describes the University of South Carolina's self-paced FL program, which was designed to help overcome language program weaknesses relating chiefly to college textbooks. This program uses conventional college texts accompanied by special learning activities packets. Three self-paced programs, in Spanish, German, and French, are…