Problems in the educational system involving poor verbal and mathematics skills of students are discussed. The "back to basics" movement is advocated. The Russian instructional program at the University of Virginia is described. (SW)

Problems related to declining foreign language enrollments at universities are cited. Suggestions are made for making foreign language classes relevant to student needs and for increasing enrollment. Types of courses needed at the high school and junior college level are outlined. Language requirements at the college level are advocated. (SW)

It is recommended that undergraduate second language teaching include individualized instruction, cultural education, testing for mastery, and emphasis on communicative competence. Textbook selection is also discussed. (SW)

A description of a functional French program for the training of tourism personnel in Greece. The topics discussed are: the public and their needs, and analysis of oral communication, pedagogical techniques and activities, including numerous examples of comprehension and speaking exercises. A short bibliography is included. (Text is in French.)…

Generalizations were formulated about the appropriate use of "excuse me" and "I'm sorry" and were used to explain the inappropriate use of these expressions by nonnative speakers. The use of these expressions in English as a second language texts is reviewed and suggestions for teaching are offered. (SW)

Socio-drama can be used to develop communication skills for English as a second language students. Students produce new sentences by participating in several enactments, and language use must be restructured according to the social context. Social interaction, a prerequisite for communication, is also promoted. (SW)

"Directed conversation," involving a functional approach and role playing, is recommended for English as a second language classes instead of unstructured conversation groups. The student practices not only syntax and vocabulary but the specific sociolinguistic rules appropriate to the speech situation. (SW)

A proposal to use the language of technology as the principal tool in teaching French to adult beginners. A sample module using technical language familiar to all consumers is given in detail. Such a course is designed for technicians, scientists and other interested adults. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The hypothesis that beginners in a foreign language can learn to read specialized texts before they are able to express themselves adequately is explored. Examples of texts such as ads and news articles dealing with various specialties are given. Pedagogical procedures accompany each text. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

This article discusses the notion of acquiring a basic threshold of communicative competence in a second language as it applies to the instruction of French as a second language. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

A Spanish course is described in which reading ability was gained as a preliminary to a conventional first-year language course. Through passive learning, recognition of vocabulary and grammatical structure was achieved, and correct pronunciation and writing drills reinforced learning. Good results were obtained in the subsequent conventional…

A description of units, including materials and techniques, used in secondary school French classes in Norway. The basis for selection of materials was student interest and motivation. The units appealed to the students' intelligence, imagination, sense of play and of group. Several samples are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A description of a study which tried to establish the sequence of language development in a language other than English (Farsi) and to measure the syntactic complexity of the first language against that of the second. Results indicate a direction toward the construction of better course materials and tests. (AMH)

Successful role playing results only from guided experience. The teacher must bring linguistic and extra-linguistic knowledge to deal with the social and personal situation. A series of speech activities is proposed, which approaches actual role playing progressively. Visual aids, pictures, learning cards, etc., are also discussed. (IFS/WGA)

A description of pedagogical techniques developed at Middlebury College during the summer of 1976 and clear instructions for their use by teachers. Their aim is better understanding of French and American people, values and contemporary culture. The teaching methods involve the four language skills. (Text is in French.) (AMH)