The overseas immersion environment has long been considered a superior context for language learning, supposedly providing unlimited exposure to target language (TL) input and countless opportunities for authentic interaction with expert users. This article focuses on immersion programmes (IPs) for in-service language teachers--a relatively…

What do parents, administrators, teachers and trustees really think about immersion programs? (Editor)

Important features of practicums for teachers of elementary school language immersion programs include: mentoring and peer coaching; guidance in self-analysis, observation, and reflection on teaching practices; and experience with realities of immersion. A period of induction beyond the practicum is also recommended. (19 references) (MSE)

This British collection of essays on intensive second language instruction is divided into four groups. A section on intensive courses outside Britain includes: "Intensive Courses in a German Youth Hostel"; "Intensive German from an Austrian Perspective: An LEA Initiative"; and "Integrating Intensive Sessions into the…

Articles on immersion and bilingual education include these: "Terminological Considerations Regarding Content and Language Integrated Learning" (Tarja Nikula, David Marsh); "Educazione bilingue e multiculturale, istruzione bilingue, immersione totale: quattro nozioni da definire" ("Bilingual and Multicultural Education,…

The handbook is designed primarily as a preservice training guide for prospective immersion program teachers and secondarily as a resource for immersion program administrators and parents of prospective enrollees. It includes: (1) an overview of the immersion model, describing its historical context and key features and briefly reviewing research…

A study of French immersion teacher education programs at Simon Fraser University and Faculte Saint-Jean (University of Alberta) in Canada is reported. The in-depth case studies examined program clientele, models, participant experiences and needs, and planning, especially in relation to current research on teacher education. (Author/MSE)

Describes a two-week Mexican immersion program for teachers including language instruction, homestays to enhance language and cultural development and a course focusing on the systematic exploration of how to integrate authentic materials into daily instruction. Results suggest that the program was successful in preparing teachers to meet the…

A guide to the planning and implementation of elementary school foreign language (FLES) programs presents statements of opinion and experience in various aspects of program development by a number of experts. An introductory section outlines basic program planning considerations, and a second chapter describes the work of the American Association…

Louisiana's elementary school French second language program is described. An introductory section gives background information about program history. The second contains a statement concerning the foreign language crisis in American education, written to be used as a public awareness presentation. Section 3 outlines the state's overall program…

The implications of Canada's national study of core French instruction for second language (L2) teacher education in that country are examined. Literature on the study's impact on language teaching philosophy and policy and on French immersion instruction is reviewed, and a survey of 36 Canadian schools of education is reported. The questionnaire…

A report on second language instruction in elementary schools outlines the state of the art and makes policy and program and offers recommendations. An introductory section discusses the rationale for foreign language instruction at all levels and particularly in elementary schools, emphasizing the value of early and prolonged exposure to language…

The annotated bibliography of research on Canadian core French programs, in which French is taught as a regular subject in English-language schools, provides a comprehensive summary of empirical research since 1970. It includes research reports from school boards, reports of government-funded research, unpublished theses, published books, and…