The focus of this study is the development and implementation of the Iterative Needs Assessment/Evaluation Model for use as part of an English curriculum reform project at a four-year university in Japan. Three questions were addressed in this study: (a) what model components were necessary for use in a Japanese university setting; (b) what survey…

This article reports on the implementation of diagnostic assessment in an advanced Spanish language program at the university level. Particular attention is given to the use of dynamic assessment practices as a way to assess language abilities, intervene in learning, and document learners' growth. Dynamic assessment is conceptually based on…

The study is an evaluation of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at a southeastern technical college. Thousands of adults who enroll in ESL programs are individuals who appear to be intelligent. They have worked diligently for a year or more to learn to speak, read, write, listen and improve English comprehension skills. However, some…

The following articles on second language learning are collected here: (1) "Second-Language Study: Historical Background and Current Status" by Kenneth D. Chastain; (2) "The Value of Second-Language Learning" by Gilbert A. Jarvis; (3) "Psychology and Linguistics as Bases for Language Pedagogy" by Wilga M. Rivers; (4) "Differentiation of Language…

This instrument was developed to assist Ohio schools in their endeavors to improve the secondary school program in foreign languages. The checklist is organized into seven major categories (philosophy, organization and administration, class management and instruction, staff, curriculum, facilities and equipment, and evaluation) which represent…

This volume reports on innovative, useful evaluation work conducted within U.S. college foreign language programs. An introductory chapter scopes out the territory, reporting key findings from research into the concerns, impetuses, and uses for evaluation that FL educators identify. Seven chapters then highlight examples of evaluations conducted…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe how and why Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) has developed a system aiming to effectively place students in freshman and developmental English programs. The placement system includes: triangulating data from external test scores, with scores from a panel-marked hand-written essay (HWE),…

Describes a pilot scheme for the Early Teaching of Modern Languages (ETML). Four points are discussed: (1) the aims and organization of the Pilot Scheme; (2) the limitations of the scheme and implications for ETML in general; (3) current developments in Britain; and (4) implications for the future of ETML. (PJM)

The variables that must be considered in English as a second language (ESL) program evaluation, major educational evaluation models, and a standards-based model for ESL program evaluation are discussed. Different ESL programs are examined including intensive programs and adult and university programs. Program variables such as subject matter,…

State-funded programs in Washington for providing vocational and English-language training for Indochinese refugees were evaluated. The evaluation was conducted by means of a survey and site visits. Although data show both strengths and weaknesses, programs share some common positive features: (1) dedication of program staff, (2) use of a wide…

For a related article, see Innovative Classical Programs in the School District of Philadelphia," in the May 1970 issue of Foreign Language Annals." (DS)

Reviews the history of the "pilot scheme" for introducing French into the curriculum of British primary schools, highlighting the project's limitations and the negative findings of the National Foundation for Educational Research report, and assesses the prospects for the future of the project. (AM)

THE LACK OF UNIFORMITY IN TEACHING PRACTICES, COURSE CONTENT, MATERIALS, AND TEACHER PREPARATION HAS HAMPERED ACHIEVEMENT IN FLES PROGRAMS AND PRODUCED MANY UNSTABLE PROGRAMS. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR OBJECTIVES TO BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND CRITERIA TO BE DEVELOPED FOR JUDGING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SERIOUS FLES PROGRAMS. WITH PROPERLY SEQUENCED…

THIS COMMENTARY ON AN EARLIER ARTICLE ABOUT THE DISCONTINUATION OF A 6-YEAR FLES PILOT PROGRAM (SEE "MODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL," VOLUME 50, MARCH 1966) CRITICIZES THE LACK OF CLEARLY DEFINED GOALS OR EXPECTATION OF SUCCESS WHICH CHARACTERIZED THE PROJECT. THE PLANNERS MADE NO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROGRAM AND FAILED…