Outlines a plan for a multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four components--language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education. (EKN)

Like all learning situations, second language classrooms contain unique sets of learners, available materials, variable physical structures, and individual teachers. All of these factors receive further definition from the total school and community surroundings, as well as changes in clientele, curricular models favored at one time or another,…

Discusses the lack of emphasis on writing skills in elementary and intermediate language classes, the purpose and process of writing, and general recommendations for the incorporation of writing into the language curriculum. Contains specific examples of writing tasks, including the composition of telegrams, recipes, postcards, directions, and…

Discusses the introduction of languages other than English (LOTE) into primary schools in Australia, focusing on curriculum planning, classroom methodology, and student transition from primary to secondary language programs. Emphasizes the need to break down the barriers between primary and secondary second language instruction. (15 references)…

Identifies 60 heritage/international language documents available from (or being developed by) provincial ministries of education in Canada (except the two territories and Quebec). It lists, by province, documents related to languages other than English, French, or Native languages, and provides the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of…

Discusses the dichotomy between foreign language and literature instruction, arguing that the objectives of the language curriculum are at odds with those of the literature curriculum; many students are not proficient enough to cope with many of the belles lettres texts without additional linguistic support; and students deserve linguistic support…

"Sounds of Language" is a background course to provide elementary and secondary school students with a greater understanding of how language works. The course is designed to (1) introduce students to the variations of sounds and structure of many foreign languages, (2) teach study habits that are vital to successful foreign language learning, and…

This volume deals with issues in foreign language education that have come to the fore since the publication of the Report of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies. It contains the following articles: "Action or Inaction: An Editorial Opinion," by June Phillips; (2) "ACTFL's 1980 Agenda: Intention…

The problem of articulation is examined, including attempts that have been made to resolve it and new proposals for its resolution. In order for the discussion to be meaningful, several relevant terms are defined: articulation, horizontal articulation, vertical articulation, inter-/multidisciplinary articulation, level, learner outcomes, and…

This guide attempts to help local planners develop and implement curricula which will provide each student in Connecticut with equal opportunity for a suitable program in foreign language instruction. With a focus on K-12 programs, the guide provides an overview of current philosophies, objectives, methods, and materials in the foreign language…

Describes the Multidimension Curriculum Model for developing a language curriculum and suggests a generic approach to selecting and sequencing learning objectives. Alberta Education used this model to design a new French-as-a-Second-Language program. The experience/communication, culture, language, and general language components at the beginning,…

Identifies 30 heritage/international language documents available from the province of Quebec. The documents, in French, cover general language instruction, Arabic, Cambodian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Laotian, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Also provides the names, addresses and telephone numbers of contact people in the…

Presents results of a questionnaire, completed by elementary and secondary principals and teachers, concerning foreign language instruction, including information on background demographics, amount of instruction, offerings, curriculum, teacher qualifications and training, and major instructional problems in both public and private schools.…

Supports the idea that second language teachers should "teach the test," provided that such tests meet the criteria of authentic assessment. Authentic assessment focuses on constructivist learning and communicative tasks; the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment; quality and coverage of content; and quality and fairness of standards.…

Examines how structural change in the international system during the past 150 years affected the rise and decline of language courses in the curriculum. Data analysis showed rapid decline of classical languages and increased study of national languages and modern foreign languages. Maintains that the rearrangement of hegemonic powers has a strong…