In an effort to strengthen teacher training, advanced language learning, and general skill development, one university developed an upper division "internship" in German. German majors and nonmajors were attracted to the course for its emphasis on skills applicable in the job market. (MSE)

Suggestions are offered for individuals involved in a job search for teaching positions in foreign language departments and who are planning interviews at the Modern Language Association convention. (LB)

This paper discusses steps that high school foreign language teachers can take to select appropriate textbooks for their classes. Teachers should: (1) determine their department's philosophy; (2) look at their students' needs; (3) ask department members for suggestions; (4) review school district guidelines; (5) examine as many textbooks as…

Foreign language teachers need to provide students and administrators with a more accurate understanding of the nature and value of language programs if the programs are to successfully compete for enrollment. A survey of principals in Minnesota provided data reinforcing these views. (PGD)

Discusses the European Community's languages program, LINGUA. Describes hopes of dismantling foreign language barriers and facilitating the free movement of persons and ideas and the growth of firms and trade. Notes that the program includes continuing education of language teachers, student exchange, innovation in teaching methods, and…

This report describes the use of the natural approach to second language instruction to improve the teacher training program at Purdue University (Indiana). First, the report discusses the establishment of a permanent, non-tenure-track position of Assistant Director for Beginning Levels of Spanish. Second, focus is on the improvement of the…

A discussion of FLES (foreign language in the elementary school, including introductory, exploratory, or immersion) looks at the challenges that need to be identified and met for successful planning and implementation. The role and importance of FLES in the 1990s is briefly reviewed, FLES program types are outlined, and FLES is examined in greater…

This digest considers the problems of foreign language instruction in small high schools and discusses possible solutions. A critical challenge for American education, pointed out by reform reports of the 1980's, is improvement of instruction in foreign languages to instill language proficiency. These national concerns have been translated into…

Argues that two forms of leadership exist currently in college and university foreign language departments: the top publishing and public-speaking scholars; and the people who chair the departments, dealing with the daily business of staffing courses and working with faculty and administrators. Suggests the two types of leaders operate in…

The National Core French Study had the objectives of defining and developing four syllabuses and assessing their applicability in Core French classes in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The language syllabus presented here is an inventory of the principal language units that the student must acquire to communicate in French in natural…

The first half of this book focuses on the rationale, ideas, and information for the use of technology, including microcomputers, to improve language teaching efficiency. Topics discussed include foreign language computer assisted instruction (CAI), hardware and software selection, computer literacy, educational computing organizations, ease of…

The University of Mississippi's modern language department chairman discusses the chair's role in achieving faculty diversity and offers guidelines for hiring minority faculty, including realistic self-examination and portrayal, targeting all minorities, developing a working relationship with counterpart departments in other institutions, visiting…

The National Core French Study had the objectives of defining and developing four syllabuses and assessing their applicability in Core French classes in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The Culture Syllabus is reported here. The first chapter defines "francophone culture" and discusses its role in Core French program. A review…

Summarizes results of a survey of Arizona State University education students, graduates, and teacher supervisors concerning the experience of language teacher trainees and the need for change in the training process. A program model designed to respond to that need is described, noting both barriers to and prospects for real change. (MSE)

Current and aspiring teachers of college Spanish need an awareness of how and why the language and dialects are used in real-life contexts, and to understand the value of the variations as well as that of standard usage. Training of teaching assistants and language teachers should include basic notions of sociolinguistics, including the functions…