The function of English as a lingua franca for communication needs rethinking in the teaching of English as a foreign language classroom as a consequence of globalisation. The present contribution is an empirical study carried out in an Italian university environment which aims to show how teachers should take on board awareness raising activities…

Notes that the emphasis on learning through experience and a reliance on approaches involving communities of learners engaged in project work have been present in second-language learning theory and practice for a long time and have been rejuvenated in discussions on computer mediation and instrumental use of technology in language learning. (14…

Examines reasons for the failure of modern language teaching to fulfill its cultural aims and focuses on teaching methods, student assessment, course content, and teacher role. Conclusions are that teachers must be aware of the implications of different teaching strategies, their influence, and limitations. (17 references) (CK)

Examines the changes in the literature department of modern language curriculum and assesses their significance in terms of the past and future of literature as a component of the modern languages degree. The teaching of literature is trying to serve two masters: liberal humanism and utilitarianism. (32 references) (CK)

Describes the changing social context of Asian language teaching in Australian universities and considers the increasing salience of the economic argument for Asian languages found in major reports on languages in education. Reviews major criticisms of this economic argument. (five references) (Author/CK)

Linguistic imperialism is the expansion of a small number of privileged languages at the cost of a large number of others. The language teaching profession needs to address the ecological impact of language teaching and focus on the well-being of the inhabitants of a language ecology rather than on the economic benefits of the teaching…

Reflects the experience of teachers who attended a course on managing change. They used their new knowledge to introduce change in their own teaching or their own departments. Successful change implementation requires agreement on the change target(s), starting with a small, manageable target, and monitoring of the resulting change. (one…

Presents a vision for change in foreign language education. Topics include U.S. national interest, views of prominent politicians, role of the intellectual community, curriculum content, global outlook, cooperation among universities and elementary and secondary schools, and changing technology. A response to this overview is presented. (12…

Suggests that consensus is the result of intellectual inquiry among scholars for some common purpose. External and internal forces impel the academic community to move beyond argumentation about what students should be able to achieve as they progress. Legislatures and boards of regents are exercising increasing oversight over public and private…

Overviews challenges facing foreign language educators, including lack of a shared framework, dominance of the curriculum by textbooks, inaccurate student placement, yearly repetition of course content, and lack of a consensus on what students should achieve. A new articulation and achievement project has made progress in solving these problems.…

CAMILLE's primary objective is to exploit recent developments in multimedia computing to create a flexible, student-centered, electronic language learning environment to support the acquisition of a second language. The consortium's first target was to produce a learning resource for beginners of Spanish and another for beginners of Dutch, as well…