Seven principal reasons for having a language laboratory are illustrated with cartoon figures in this article. This simplified discussion comments on pertinent historical developments in language instruction, optimal teaching and learning techniques, and the nature of language. (RL)

A general review of the development of the language laboratory is given in this article in the light of claims made by early theorists favoring the use of the laboratory in foreign language instruction. Comments are directed to the nature of language, language teaching methodology, and use and criticism of the laboratory. The author concludes that…

This text describes a Swedish research program (GUME Project--the Swedish equivalent of the Gothenburg/Teaching/Methods/English Project) carried out during 1968-71 within the field of second-language instruction and learning. A number of comparative experiments were performed in order to assess the relative merits of two different approaches to…

This article explores the question of whether language teachers are capable of ascertaining student acquisition of grammatical rules when the lesson is taught orally. Oral fluency is seen as the foundation of the language process,and a distinction is made between productive and reproductive speech. Frequent use of examples illustrates linguistic…

This compilation of writings, first published in 1932, provides a historical overview of early thought concerning the nature of language and language instruction. The authors, pioneers in the field of "natural" language learning, consider language as: (1) code, (2) literature, (3) conversation, (4) communication, (5) sounds, and (6) speech. In a…

This general review of language learning theory focuses on criticism of the audiolingual method of instruction which reached its peak in the mid-1960's. Recent trends in teaching methodology, supported by linguistic theories developed by transformational-generative linguists, are examined. Various models of learning are discussed which lead to a…

The first half of this article examines the function of various types of language laboratories. They are classified principally as: (1) audio-passive, (2) audio-active, and (3) audio-evaluative laboratories. A chart illustrating the major types of technical installations and their components further classifies laboratories in terms of whether they…

Discussion focuses on the widespread alienation of students from the foreign language experience while referring to methodological factors underlying this syndrome and to the uncertainty of the status that foreign language instruction has today in the classroom. A causal relationship is suggested to exist between students' alienation and the…

This guide, prepared by the K-12 Foreign Language Committee in the School District of Philadelphia, formulates a series of behavioral objectives in the basic skills of second language learning. They include listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as cultural education. The study specifies desired student learning behavior, describes the…

Negative influences on teaching practices and objectives in modern language programs, caused by certain final examination practices in Sweden, are pointed out and criticized in this paper. The needs of the Swedish student of languages are determined to be related to the use of language primarily as a means of everyday communication. The…

Articulation of materials, methods, and educational objectives of language programs in French, German, Spanish, and Latin focuses on achievement goals in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, culture, and language analysis for levels 1 through 5. The programs emphasize the attainment of language fluency through the audiolingual…

Description of a project involving the use of the video-tape recorder in a beginning course in Japanese focuses on cultural implications of basic unit dialogues. Instant replay, close-up, and other camera techniques allow students to concentrate on cross-cultural phenomena which are normally not perceived without the use of media. General…

A review of trends in the teaching of foreign language during the last decade focuses on the predominance of the audiolingual method and current criticism by leading theorists of its theoretical foundations. Discussion of a psychological model of learning explores the relationships of motivation, cognition, evaluation, and response formation. The…

This paper describes two techniques designed to offer students genuine communication experiences in a foreign language. In "simulated tutoring," a recording of the tutor's voice is made while he tutors a live subject in the correct pronunciation of a short dialogue. Students subsequently responding to the prerecorded utterances experience the…

Foreign language instruction guidelines designed to improve and extend current programs at all levels are offered to teachers, principals, guidance counselors, general supervisors, foreign language coordinators, and superintendents. Major emphasis on teaching a language is developed, particularly through remarks on the spoken and the written word.…