The communicative language teaching approach that informs many school modern foreign language programmes has been realised in different ways as theorists and practitioners have sought to identify the most effective combinations of instruction and use [Mitchell, R. 2000. Applied linguistics and evidence-based classroom practice: the case of foreign…

Describes progress and improvement in the process of language learning and teaching. (Editor/IR)

An overview of foreign language instruction is seen as a spectrum composed of five distinct areas. The speech includes discussion of concepts related to the curriculum, linguistics, psychology, culture, and a "Master Plan". The author comments on the importance of understanding that language instruction, as an academic pursuit, is directly related…

Describes modifications to the four original requirements of the foreign language program at the International School of the Americas, an experimental school located 150 miles from the Mexican border. (SR)

The results of a questionnaire from 16 European countries concerning the early teaching of modern languages are presented. The 16 countries involved are: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The findings…

Discusses the effects of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and various state laws on the foreign language requirements of Virginia college and university programs. Foreign language instructors and departments need to be aware of their responsibilities in accommodating learning-disabled…

This paper offers a current overview and a commentary on the current state and future directions of research in second language learning. It begins by outlining the ways perceptions of the world influence research and teaching. It then explores the contexts in which one individual has explored learning in second languages. Then an opinion is…

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,…

The main conditions necessary for the successful introduction of the early teaching of modern languages (ETML) are outlined. The processes that are usually involved in the introduction of ETML into a country or region are listed. Obstacles to the successful introduction of ETML and the role of European cooperation in overcoming obstacles are also…

A statement of valid, acceptable goals and optimum characteristics of foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) is embodied in a section on guidelines for the subjective evaluation of FLES programs and in a field survey evaluation form. Description of ways and means of achieving the stated goals and specifications for measurement and…

This program and teaching guide describes the nature of foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES). Chapters include discussion of: (1) program development and organization; (2) the FLES teacher; (3) methods, motivation, and instructional materials; (4) culture; (5) program evaluation; (6) outline of recommended structures; and…

This pamphlet outlines the educational philosophy behind foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES) and organizational procedures for the establishment of such programs. Major sections explain: (1) the nature of FLES, (2) program planning, (3) student eligibility, (4) teacher preparation, and (5) program articulation. A chart of…

The Foreign Language Standards of Learning identify essential content, processes, and skills for each level of language learning in Virginia's secondary schools. Included are specific standards for levels I through IV of French, German, Spanish, and Latin, as well as generic standards adaptable for levels I through IV of other modern languages,…