The experience of the Albuquerque, New Mexico second language community is presented as a case study of successful local advocacy. The formation of the Albuquerque Language Teachers Association and the New Mexico State Task Force on Modern and Classical Languages is described, and the passage by the State legislature of a resolution on language…

This digest discusses second language learning strategies--specific actions, behaviors, steps, or techniques students used to improve their progress in apprehending, internalizing, and using the second language. The first section discusses characteristics of good language learners. The second section highlights research findings that suggest…

Language teacher supervisors see their role as: (1) training teachers to go from their actual to ideal teaching behaviors; (2) providing a means for teachers to reflect on and work through problems in their teaching; (3) furnishing opportunities for teachers to explore new teaching possibilities; and (4) providing teachers with opportunities to…

The increased interest in FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools) programs has prompted many foreign language educators to consider the impact of program articulation on the development of a successful K-12 language program. Program articulation is the process of providing a smooth transition between foreign language classrooms, and can…

Students of foreign language are being encouraged to learn and use a broad range of language learning strategies that can be tapped throughout the learning process. This approach is based on the belief that learning will be facilitated by making students aware of the range of strategies from which they can choose during language learning and use.…

This digest examines the role metacognition can play in the teaching and learning of a second language. Understanding and controlling cognitive processes may be one of the most essential skills that classroom teachers can help second language learners develop. Rather than focus students' attention solely on learning the language, second language…

This digest presents a technique and activities for using Spanish language ads and public service announcements in the Spanish foreign language classroom. The technique has been used successfully with students in the Galveston-Houston, Texas area. Segments of the scripts of one announcement and one commercial advertisement are provided, as well as…

This Digest, an update to a 1990 Digest, provides information on finding employment opportunities abroad for teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL). Sections highlight the following: considerations for teaching EFL outside of the United States; general information sources on teaching English abroad; teaching in international schools; and…

The purpose of second (or foreign) language classroom research is to answer important questions about the learning and teaching of foreign languages. This kind of research collects data from genuine language classrooms or from experimental settings sometimes established to replicate what takes place in the classroom. Classroom research can focus…

This digest provides general information on obtaining English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teaching positions abroad. The considerations involved in teaching EFL abroad and the qualifications needed for teaching EFL in various countries are outlined, and general information sources on EFL employment opportunities are listed and described. A section…

This digest focuses on the teaching of foreign languages through distance learning, which refers to instruction via satellite or other long-distance telecommunication technology. The following questions are addressed: (1) What is distance learning? (2) Why is distance learning used? (3) How can distance learning provide the interaction necessary…

This digest focuses on the application of discourse analysis to second language teaching and learning. It provides examples of how teachers can improve their teaching practices by investigating actual language use both in and out of the classroom, and how students can learn language through exposure to different types of discourse. (VWL)

This digest considers the misconception that grammar is a collection of arbitrary rules about static structures in a language by challenging 10 common myths about grammar and its teaching. The myths include the following: (1) grammar is acquired naturally; it need not be taught; (2) grammar is a collection of meaningless forms; (3) grammar…

This Digest focuses on the method of teaching foreign languages in Kindergarten through Grade 8 using content-based instruction. In this approach, the foreign language is used as the medium for teaching subject content, such as mathematics or social studies. In content-based instruction, students become proficient in the language because the focus…

To help teachers and administrators of American Sign Language (ASL) design and implement effective ASL programs, this Digest answers questions about ASL and the essential components of an ASL program, including ASL course design, methods and approaches for teaching ASL as a second language, and ASL instructional materials. (nine references) (VWL)