Presents the summary report of the 1985 study by the Virginia Council of Higher Education on the condition of language teaching in state-supported institutions of higher learning. The report includes 56 specific recommendations. The state council adopted the systemwide recommendations and suggested that institutions implement them within three…

Describes the experience of two high school French teachers who developed a curriculum for the nine French courses, according to school and departmental goals. The curriculum was developed according to the ACTFL/ETS proficiency guidelines. Examples are given of the format for Level One units. (SED)

This digest presents an overview of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum, discussing various approaches and assessment efforts at community colleges, and examining some current issues facing ESL instruction. Although the general goals of ESL programs are similar, instruction within community colleges is not standardized. Different…

This detailed guide is for new teaching assistants (T.A.'s) teaching elementary French at the college level. Individual sections address the following topics: (1) the first day of class (including forms to be distributed to students); (2) written exams (policies regarding contributions, exam procedures, and corrections); (3) oral exam of the…

Discusses how to start an overseas internship program using the Michigan State University Business Overseas Internship Program in Germany as a model. (EKN)

Describes two programs for adult learners, Weekend College and Learn and Shop. Weekend College offered credit courses on Saturdays and Sundays; Learn and Shop used employee training rooms at five major shopping centers. Statistics on both programs are given as well as a description of the Spanish Department offerings and reactions. (AMH)

Traces the reasons for development, the characteristics of the new French programs, the premises underlying their development, organization of the resulting curriculum guides, and implications of the revised curriculum. Summarizes program offerings across Canada, program costs and anticipated outcomes. (Author/MES)

Views the American experience of assimilation and acculturation as a unique achievement, but also as the basis for ethnocentric attitudes no longer compatible with current American involvement in world economics and politics. With this premise, assesses the decline of foreign language instruction in the U.S. and its prospects for recovery. (MES)

Examines the shift in the role of the college and university language department head from that of colleague and leader to manager, resulting from changing institutional and professional culture. Argues department chairs must read recent research on department leadership, learn about changes in higher education and the faculty's role, and…

An investigation of the place of oral testing in large institutions' foreign language programs found common problems, including large classes, multisectioned courses, and use of inexperienced teaching assistants as evaluators. Most institutions using oral testing coped with the problems. Recommendations for improving test use and administration…

Addresses problems posed by native speakers in Chinese courses and an Australian university's attempts to meet students' needs, including identifying and directing native speakers away from courses designed for nonnative speakers and a special purpose course for those native speakers who do not necessarily have a unified language experience. (CB)

Elementary school second language instruction began in 1840 but has in general been restricted to a limited number of schools and programs. In 1969, Louisiana initiated an effort to become the country's center of French language study, bringing together resources from French-speaking nations and setting an example for other communities. (MSE)

Argues that the concept of using different approaches to teaching foreign language literature to undergraduates and graduates may do a disservice to those who see the study of foreign literature as literature through language. Discusses teaching strategies to facilitate such integration. (19 references) (CB)

Describes a university's approach to determining, testing, and certifying students' proficiency levels for foreign language reading-for-research courses, focusing on the effectiveness of using the 1986 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines in developing the university's guidelines. (28 references) (CB)

Examines Japanese-U.S. joint venture language or U.S.-style education programs in Japan. These programs offer language and cultural education classes for those interested in English and for students who have failed in the Japanese education system. Problems facing these programs and the need to explore new, English-language education markets are…