The development and use of two programs developed at Loyola College using HyperCard are described. One is a reading comprehension program of a Renaissance Italian text; the other, in German, uses scanned-in maps of the various stages of German political development to illustrate German history. (21 references) (LB)

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,…

Discusses how computers have fundamentally changed the nature of the college language laboratory, examining specific computer programs and computer-based tools and systems. Computer-based language instruction will allow more individualized instruction, give students more control over what and how they learn, and expand the study of foreign…

A French curriculum development and research project at Erindale College (Canada), established in 1985, studies and initiates incorporation of computer technology into the University of Toronto French program. Specific objectives include evaluation and adaptation of existing software, development of an undergraduate course in computer applications…

Findings from the Modern Language Association survey, based on returns from 598 2- and 4-year colleges, are reported. Factors affecting department chairs' conditions of service and perquisites were found to be the presence of a union; levels of instruction offered; number of students; number of languages offered; and faculty size. (Contains two…

Internationalization of the higher education curriculum and internationalization of campus life are discussed with regard to ways that foreign languages can respond to the call for internationalization; content for advanced language courses; the role of language teaching and culture specialists (LTCSs); and preparation of LTCSs. (46 references)…

New video technologies available for French second-language instruction are reviewed, and their incorporation into a Pennsylvania State University third-semester French course is described. Issues discussed include considerations of media availability, authentic vs. contrived video, second-language acquisition theory, and curricular goals and…

Examines whether and to what extent differences exist between learners of French, German, and Spanish with respect to range of motivational or motivation-related factors and whether the factor time has any significant effect in this. Concentrates on general or institution-wide language programs in universities. (Author/VWL)

Reviews research addressing the relationship between native language skills and success in learning a foreign language. Describes four components of a language-based model for diagnosing foreign language learning problems. Highlights three major intervention strategies for at-risk foreign language learners. (53 citations) (MAB)

Outlines the nature of the current threat to English-as-a-Second-Language education in Australia that is posed by the Commonwealth "Literacy for All" policy. Provides a brief discussion of the social and educational context in which the policy was released and of the policy itself.(Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on ESL Literacy Education)…

A preliminary analysis of the language syllabuses and language students at Southampton University (England) is used to determine needed improvements in language teaching methodology and to establish clear aims and objectives that will build on students' previous experiences, plug gaps that remain, and relate this language learning to the…

Motivated by attrition in French immersion programs in Canada, a study was undertaken of the perceptions of French coordinators, helping teachers, school principals, and French immersion teachers in British Columbia (Canada) school districts regarding the attrition rate and students' reasons for leaving immersion. The research differed from…

This paper describes the development and implementation of an intensive summer course in English as a Second Language (ESL) designed for children aged 4-5. Planning included development of a curriculum and instructional materials based on theory and practice in the teaching of young children, English language learning and instruction, and…

Locally developed language and culture programs are those that are developed and authorized by local school jurisdictions. This document presents a curricular framework from which program developers can build a language curriculum that meets the needs and reflects the philosophy of the linguistic community they serve. It also stresses the value of…

Recent writing theory, research, and pedagogy have aided in the development of several models for improving second language writing skills. Attention is focused more on writing as a process, the importance of practice in writing improvement, and the need to learn cognitive structures contributing to writing. Daily journal writing is one method of…