The paper reports on the findings of a PhD study exploring the implications of the separation between language and content in Modern Languages for students' development of intercultural competence and criticality across four universities -- two in the US and two in the UK. In particular, it exposes the diverse views students developed on the…

The School of Languages and Applied Linguistics at the Open University (OU) radically re-designed its modern languages curriculum in 2014, launching its first suite of new modules in 2017. The institution as a whole has since also developed a new employability framework. Our paper describes the principles underpinning the design of the new…

A decade ago, Klapper (2003: "Taking communication to task? A critical review of recent trends in language teaching", "The Language Learning Journal" 27: 33-42) created the opportunity to reflect on the assets and limitations of task-based language teaching (TBLT) in comparison with more established communicative language…

This paper considers the case of Intercultural Understanding (IU) as a component part of foreign language learning and teaching in the upper stage of primary schools (roughly ages 7-11 years) in the UK. It is set within a specific context of curriculum innovation, namely recent policy changes which have introduced IU as a key part of primary…

Data on modern language instruction in each member country of the European Community are presented, largely in tabular form with some narrative. The number of tables provided for each country varies according to educational system, and data are arranged to facilitate comparison between countries. The conclusions of the Council of the European…

Discusses a questionnaire sent to 300 teachers in the United Kingdom regarding teachers' opinions about teaching in the target language (TL). Findings indicate that teachers generally favor TL teaching, although considerable anxiety exists about TL testing. Additionally, teachers are concerned about less able pupils not achieving their full…

Based on widespread teacher perceptions that British upper secondary school students entering advanced language courses are poorly prepared, an approach for making the transition to advanced language instruction is suggested. Teachers are invited to use existing syllabuses creatively to develop language awareness as well as language skills. Four…

An overview of the modern language teaching situation in the United Kingdom--and by extension in English-speaking countries--is presented. The record of achievement in foreign language education for the last two decades is viewed as a move from euphoria about the possibilities for imparting second language skills to disenchantment over the failure…

Looks at the higher education options available in the United Kingdom for teachers of English as Second Language, focusing on the development and design of master's degree programs in a number of British universities. Attention is given to traditionally taught courses, areas of specialization, and distance learning. (MSE)

Discusses the importance of teacher attitude and its interconnections with beliefs and teaching behavior. The article introduces a model to explain the gap between statements of intent and the reality of what happens in classrooms. Concludes that beliefs about innovation and its consequences are important in determining behavior and attitude…

This guide for language teachers offers a developmental approach to curriculum design for second language learning. The approach suggests a progression of tasks at various difficulty levels, geared to the gradual development of language knowledge, concepts, skills, and attitudes. Ten levels of attainment, or stages of learner development, are…

A method for designing a foreign language program is presented. The guide is intended for use at the department level in British schools and based on new national curriculum requirements for modern language instruction. The resulting program should be a team effort, relate to the general philosophy and curricular policies and objectives of the…

This guide, designed for British modern language teachers, explores the potential of informational technology (IT) to help educators meet the objectives of the National Curriculum. An introductory chapter discusses the role of IT as specified in the curriculum, including both instruction in use of IT and use of IT to enhance classroom instruction.…

This book on aspects of modern foreign language teaching is written for trainee, new, and experienced teachers of students aged 11-16 and is intended as a practical source of information. The discussion of specific teaching issues includes implications for classroom practice. While not directly addressing Britain's new National Curriculum, it does…

Proceedings of a seminar on the role of English language teaching (ELT) in British technical assistance projects are presented in the form of session and case study narrative summaries. They include descriptions of sessions on the development of ELT projects; a presentation on a project in Oman using a recommended format; a case study simulation…