This paper provides a critical review of the literature between 1980 and 2005 on the evaluation of resources for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with a particular emphasis on elementary education. An analysis of that literature indicates that there are a range of approaches to evaluation that have been somewhat monolithic and possibly…

Belgium's German-speaking community feels the need for multilingualism more than most. Since 1990, French language instruction has been seriously promoted in elementary school, as much for teachers as for students. A six-year curriculum plan takes students from early exposure to creative and autonomous language use. A pilot program is under way.…

Explores ways in which elementary school foreign language programs can fully integrate cultural insights, skills, and understanding through an examination of instructional models and developmental factors in the teaching of culture, goal setting for teaching culture, and culture and curriculum in the foreign language classroom and in other areas.…

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…

Describes an experiment in teaching language to young children through nature study. Activities are outlined, including the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural objectives for each. Brief illustrated descriptions are also given. (MSE)

A step-by-step examination is made of organized language instruction in which all language teaching activities relate to a theme chosen from the science, social studies, or math curriculum. The first step is to choose a topic of interest. The second step is to find out what is already known about the topic, decide what extra is needed to be…

This paper reports on the implementation of an ambitious bilingual instructional programme in the P'urhepecha-speaking region of Michoacan state in Mexico, the Meseta Tarasca. A curriculum of indigenous language preservation and cultural affirmation, overturning the previous Spanish-only programme, has been developed by a group of indigenous…

A detailed curriculum outline for the state-mandated elementary school program in French as a second language for Quebec English schools is presented. Primary objectives are the development of affective values, social values, and the sense of sociocultural belonging. The curriculum was adapted from the 1972 curriculum, with more specific overall…

An Italian program integrating second language instruction into the elementary school curriculum is described. The program is seen as a forward-looking effort but lacking in important cultural content. Discrepancies between objectives and classroom reality are discussed. (MSE)

A discussion of FLES (foreign language in the elementary school, including introductory, exploratory, or immersion) looks at the challenges that need to be identified and met for successful planning and implementation. The role and importance of FLES in the 1990s is briefly reviewed, FLES program types are outlined, and FLES is examined in greater…

Emphasizes the importance of developing literacy skills in the elementary school if communicative competence is the goal of a fully articulated K-12 curriculum for Spanish. The vehicle necessary for developing these skills lies in curricular objectives that emphasize literacy and in teacher education programs that foster the growth of this…

A study investigated the instructional and curricular changes made in seven Mesa (Arizona) public elementary schools as a result of a 1989 state mandate for second language instruction at the elementary school level. In the schools under study, Spanish second language instruction is integrated into the core curriculum. The study examined…

This article describes a prototype for articulation for Spanish-language programs in the elementary schools, along with examples of how it can be used to create an articulated Spanish-language program within a current elementary school curriculum. (17 references) (Author/CK)

Provides an overview of some issues arising from the experience of introducing the early teaching of modern languages in schools associated with the Kent Primary French Project. These issues transcend the immediate question of primary modern languages and bear directly upon some key themes in the reevaluation of primary organization and…

Guidelines for teaching reading in bilingual elementary school programs stress the need for language experiences that allow students to think in the second language. Evaluation measures other than standardized tests for assessing progress are suggested. (PMJ)