The dual purpose of this book is to set forth guidelines for appreciating the kinds of instructional materials available for the uncommonly taught languages and to suggest an approach to writing new materials which will be as adaptable as possible. Of principal concern are considerations relating to: (1) the nature of language teaching, (2) the…

This newsletter contains a series of brief reports concerning methods of individualizing language learning and describes several ongoing experiments. The first article illustrates how individualized achievement charts aid in determining students' instructional needs. Group work and oral testing are discussed as a means of individualizing a course…

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…

This survey of teacher training programs and teacher attitudes, made in the fall of 1969, considers two broad areas of interest. One part was prepared to obtain information regarding foreign language teacher training programs and practices at colleges and universities in California. An opinionnaire, completed by 934 California language teachers,…

Teachers are urged to improve their teaching through the effective use of pattern drills by examining the construction and function of the drills. Forty-eight questions with answers elaborate upon generalities and technicalities of drill design and their classroom use. (RL)

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…

This position paper on the measurement of achievement in language instruction contains nine articles by leading authorities. Three articles, written in German, cover: (1) testing: necessities and dangers, (2) supervision and evaluation of oral achievement in certification examinations, and (3) development of a higher level of an adult education…

Some guidelines, suggested for secondary school counselors, concerning foreign language study and vocational opportunities are briefly discussed, with major attention focused on the appendixes containing foreign language entrance and degree requirements for the bachelor of arts (B.A.) and bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees at different colleges. A…

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;…

Collected articles on the teaching of Russian in England acknowledge the importance of increased study opportunities based on modern language instruction methodology. Individual papers treat: (1) the purpose of teaching modern languages in schools, (2) the approach to language learning in educational institutions, (3) the role of the mother tongue…

Four California educators consider whether foreign language study will disappear from the curriculum. Suggesting that their topic is one that vitally concerns the nation's interests, the participants summarize their opinions in this report. Margaret A. Collin believes that California's removal of the mandated elementary foreign language…

This final report examines the nature and contents of a federally-supported program to improve language and social studies instruction in the secondary schools of Minneapolis through the interaction of the teaching staff and the students with a professional, educational consultant from Germany. General objectives included: developing multi-media…

This address examines the personal experiences and attitudes of a language teacher during the 1960's, exploring the then commonly held notions of "creativity" with a view toward stimulating professional reappraisal of the term and its pedagogical implications. The author suggests that the notion of the teacher "guiding creativity" must yield to a…

This conference report contains a keynote address by Dr. Howard Altman, entitled "Individualizing Foreign Language Instruction: Theoretical and Practical Considerations," and five reports of the conference group sessions. Reports include: (1) "Techniques for Implementing Individualized Instruction," (2) "Performance Objectives," (3) "Developing…

This study is designed to compare "traditional" and "immersion" methods of language instruction to determine whether the latter is a viable alternative in four-year, secondary-school language programs. Both methods are evaluated on the basis of student achievement in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. The hypothesis…