Reports on the new foreign language requirements at the University of Minnesota. These requirements include establishing entrance standards and strengthening the graduation requirements, both of which are based on language proficiency. Workshops to train teachers in testing under the ACTFL Provisional Proficiency Guidelines are described. (SED)

This collection of essays gives detailed information about the administrative organization, staffing, program, students, testing, and research regarding intensive English programs (IEP). The following essays are included: (1) "Introduction," by R. Barrett; (2) "The General Administration of the IEP," by R. Daesch; (3) "The Selection of Intensive…

One of ten studies commissioned to investigate research needs and to stimulate planning activities, this paper identifies and summarizes key issues within the area of second language teaching. The discussion is developed in three main sections: (1) a summary of research efforts from 1960-1980; (2) identification of research gaps; and (3) statement…

A discussion of block scheduling for second language instruction looks at the advantages and disadvantages and offers some suggestions for classroom management and course organization. It is argued that block scheduling may offer a potential solution to large classes, insufficient time for labs, too little individualized instruction; few…

This document discusses the various problems students and teachers face in Asian language education programs at both the elementary secondary and university levels. Asian languages are much more difficult to learn than more commonly-taught languages like French or Spanish, and the available curriculum and testing materials are inadequate. There…

THE SELECTIONS IN THIS VOLUME DESIGNED FOR TEACHERS, STUDENT TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, CONSULTANTS, AND OTHERS NOT ONLY PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHT, BUT ALSO EXAMINES IN DETAIL ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF FLES PROGRAMS. PART ONE OF THE VOLUME, "A PHILOSOPHICAL RATIONALE FOR FLES,"…

The instructional settings and teacher-learner relationships observed in English-as-a-second-language classes at the secondary and university levels in Poland by an American senior Fulbright lecturer are characterized by very formal instruction with heavy emphasis on pronunciation and grammar exercises, large classes with little opportunity for…

The oral communication course for English majors at the National University of Malaysia includes testing designed by faculty and coordinated with the curriculum. This practice is based on the ideas that a teacher who has been actively involved in curriculum design is in a good position to design a test for that curriculum, and that teacher-made…

A program to train volunteer teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is described and evaluated. The program was designed to enrich skills for teaching listening, reading, and speaking, and increase volunteers' appreciation and understanding of the multicultural backgrounds of the students in one adult basic education center. The…

A survey of 368 second language teachers at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and college level in the southwest United States (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas) investigated teachers' priorities for language instruction in the 1990s. Respondents ranked aspects of language instruction in priority order. Results were…

A collection of nine papers from the fourth part of the conference on the applications of foreign language and international studies to business addresses the issue of program and instructional design. The papers include: "Program Design, Lesson Planning and Strategies for Foreign Language Business Courses: An Overview" (Ronald Cere),…

A systematic approach to second language curriculum development is outlined, enumerating the phases and activities involved in developing and implementing a sound and effective language program. The first chapter describes a system whereby all language teaching activities can be classified into approaches, syllabuses, techniques, exercises, or…

The report presents results of a 1996 national survey of New Zealand concerning the provision of Maori language instruction at all levels (early childhood, elementary (primary), secondary, and postsecondary (tertiary)), enrollment rates, student characteristics, and teacher characteristics and qualifications. Data are organized in these…

Key areas of modern language teaching are addressed in 10 articles. In addition to a general overview of methods and aims of foreign language teaching, attention is directed to the audiolingual and audiovisual revolution, language study for the slow-learning child and for the child with above average ability, imaginative learning activities for…

Papers on aspects of second language program evaluation include the following: "The Role of Language Testing in Language Program Evaluation" (Adrian Palmer); "Defining an Appropriate Role for Language Tests in Intensive English Language Programs" (Margaret Des Brisay, Doreen Ready); "Principles and Practice in an…