A project surveyed the instructional materials development needs of the less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) language teaching community. The national survey in 1992 covered 82 languages and surveyed approximately 1,000 language course instructors and program directors at national resource centers and universities in the United States receiving…

This paper discusses steps that high school foreign language teachers can take to select appropriate textbooks for their classes. Teachers should: (1) determine their department's philosophy; (2) look at their students' needs; (3) ask department members for suggestions; (4) review school district guidelines; (5) examine as many textbooks as…

This annotated bibliography lists instructional materials for elementary school German language programs. The materials listed include instructional aids, social studies books, science books, dictionaries, songbooks/cassettes, games, posters, magazines, and library books. A list of addresses for publishers of German materials is included. (JL)

The "Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache," an examination developed by the Adult Education Centers in West Germany and the Goethe Institute to measure a student's proficiency in German as a foreign language, consists of two main parts, group testing and individual testing. The group testing section covers listening and reading…

To prepare learners for successful communication is nowadays one of the main goals of teaching practices of lecturers of English as a Second (ESL) or Foreign (EFL) language in the University setting. Consequently, language teaching needs to focus not only on linguistic or strategic aspects of the target language, but also on the development of the…

The Department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto focuses on language training by relating other components of foreign language study (literature, linguistics, etc.) directly to the language training process. The department features a streaming system (beginner, native-speaker, and matriculant) which places students of linguistically…

Explores recent reports on the state of education and on the language education profession's response to recommendations for improving instruction and suggests that language educators unite to clarify for the profession and for others what is being done in foreign language education. (CB)

Describes "Project Languages," a research study which looked at: (1) reasons for language study, (2) its perceived contribution to secondary education, (3) availability of languages in the secondary schools, (4) reasons for the decline in numbers studying languages, (5) new developments in language offerings, and (6) current examination…

Describes the development of and the reaction to a course in Business French at the University of Hawaii. Its success, coupled with its recognition by state and academic officials, brought about the initiation of similar courses in other languages and the development of French for travel industry management majors. (SED)

Outlines some problems in university foreign language departments that arise from the fact that prestige in foreign language departments results mostly from publishing in the fields of literary criticism and linguistics, which have little to do with language teaching. Anticipates that the current interest in text linguistics and pragmatics will…

Reviews various aspects of the undergraduate foreign language curriculum over the past decade and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of that curriculum. Outlines the best and worst scenarios which could occur during the next 10 years and suggests means which can assure that undergraduate foreign language education will meet future needs. (EKN)

Uses data from a survey of 326 centers of foreign language education to discuss (1) what kinds of courses and specializations are being offered, (2) how the curriculum is meeting the changing needs of the nation, and (3) what future development can be realistically anticipated. (EKN)

Describes a method of lesson planning that allows teachers of multisectional introductory college language classes room for modification and individualization but at the same time ensures that all class sections are working toward the same goal. (EKN)

Describes two options for intensive foreign language study available at Earlham College: intensive study on campus or intensive study on campus leading to an off campus immersion in the language and culture. Gives suggestions for programs of this type. (EKN)

Suggests that second language programs are set up to meet the needs of language teachers, rather than learners, which accounts for the widespread failure rate among students learning a second language. (EKN)