English-Russian translation at the beginning level is defended if both languages are presented and used realistically and idiomatically. Students using this method attained a good knowledge of Russian and a respect for both languages. (CHK)

Examines practical ways to improve the quality of Russian language instruction in higher education. The article reviews briefly chapters from two recently revised Russian textbooks, suggests a move from a grammar-based to a communicative syllabus, and notes difficulties and rewards in switching to a notional-functional syllabus. (SM)

A course in technical Russian is shown to differ from the usual language course in aims (translation, not oral skills), rate, caliber and motivation of student, demands on the background of the teacher, and material used. A sample outline of class procedure is included. (GK)

An experiment in language behavior comparing two methods of learning grammatical word order in a new language presents scientific evidence supporting the use of pattern drills in foreign language teaching. The experiment reviews the performance of three groups attempting to learn small segments of Russian "microlanguage": (1) a drill group learned…