Recognizing that the tenets of behaviorism and structuralism are being questioned today by the advocates of the new cognitive-transformationalist theory, the authors represented in this collection of papers redefine the potential role and discuss the function of the language laboratory in second language acquisition. Papers given at the 1970…

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…

Language laboratory equipment and use in England are described, and guidelines are provided for the choice and purchase of equipment. An introduction explains laboratory function, advantages, and instructional techniques and describes a sample session. A section on preliminary planning explores staff requirements, types of courses, laboratory…

Primary types of three-phase pattern drills for language instruction are illustrated and discussed in this teacher's guide. French, German, Italian, and Spanish sample drills are developed in each of five classifications: (1) replacement, (2) transformation, (3) analogy, (4) fixed-increment, and (5) paired sentences. Instructional procedures,…

A compilation of the results of an attitudinal questionnaire completed by a 19-member panel of leading language instruction methodologists focuses on some 36 questions fundamental to both researchers and teachers. Topics include questions concerning the use of English in the classroom, teaching of grammar, transformation generative grammar,…

This doctoral dissertation identifies certain factors which influence the attitudes of Florida modern language teachers toward contemporary teaching methodology. The study begins with a philosophical and historical view of methods of teaching modern foreign languages. Data, collected from 10 percent of the modern foreign language teachers in…

The basic mechanical functions of the foreign language laboratory described in this report enable utilization of authentic target language, linguistically effective learning devices, visuals, and facilities for monitoring and testing. Brief descriptions of 11 laboratory functions include: (1) isolation (physical, acoustical, and psychological),…

This contrastive listing of the possibilities and problems of the language laboratory is intended for the elementary and secondary school teacher. In this article, the author emphasizes the oral nature of language and the need to treat methods, materials, and machinery as a trinity. (RL)

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…

A superintendent of schools suggests reasons for the continuation and expansion of foreign language programs in public schools. Prominent in his discussion are concepts which focus on the international and domestic scene, historical developments in language instruction dating from 1957, high attrition rates in current programs, foreign language in…

Advice on how to obtain a language laboratory is accompanied by observations on how to make language tapes. Flexibility in planning the laboratory, a thorough demonstration of the new laboratory, demonstrations on making tapes, a maintenance program, and the need for periodic servicing of the laboratory are considered vital. The primary function;…

Observing that the use of the language laboratory has declined during recent years, the author proceeds to explore ways in which interest in language study may be revived and how foreign language instruction may be made more relevant. Discussion of the cognitive-code learning theory and of individualized instruction suggests the use of the…

Language laboratory practices, as they have developed during the 1960's, are examined with emphasis on the potential improvement of laboratory software. Convinced that weaknesses in the design of materials have led to the misuse and decline of the language laboratory, as well as to student boredom, the author offers alternative approaches in…

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…