Underscores the importance and influence of positive attitudes as a factor which affects achievement in second language learning. (RL)

The seminar is a useful teaching method as it divides the work of presenting and discussing material, giving students freedom under the guidance of the instructor. Length of student report and type of discussion are flexible according to class and subject. Two suggestions for improving seminars are made. (CHK)

This study investigated the effect of teacher codeswitching on second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition during listening comprehension activities in a lexical Focus-on-Form context. To date there has been research on teacher beliefs about first language (L1) use, its functions and its distribution in the interaction, but little on its effect on…

Higher literacy needs and global communication technologies such as the Internet require that students worldwide develop academic level mastery of international languages. However, while school and university second language programs are frequently able to help students achieve mastery of the basic interpersonal communications skill level of a…

This collection of papers from a conference on languages less commonly taught in Britain is concerned with administrative and material problems of teaching these languages. Contents of the publication are: an introduction by G. E. Perren; "Practical Needs" by Anthony Crane; "Problems of Producing Printed Materials" by Rosemary…

Discusses strategies designed to cope with problems encountered at the college level that are caused by students' diversity in background and levels of competency. Alternatives to the lock-step method of instruction, with applicability at both the college and high school level, are described. (EJS)

The major European testing agencies have calibrated their exams to the levels of language proficiency described in the Common European Framework (CEFR). In Italy, where the Framework has been enthusiastically embraced, external exams are now frequently used within the state education system as they are believed to provide reliable, widely…

This study reports on how a heterogeneous mixed-ability large class (63 students) turned into a cohesive and functioning class. To promote learner autonomy, students were made responsible to identify their own needs and objectives. The participants of this study consisted of undergraduate chemistry students who had taken the English for General…

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)

In 1971 the College of the Holy Cross (Minnesota) set up a summer language and cultural program in Cuernavaca, Mexico for their students of Spanish. After intensive grammar in the classroom students are sent out on "survival" situations involving verbal communication with Mexicans in the market place, schools, prisons, etc. (SC)

Presents an aural comprehension exercise (French) for the language laboratory, which has been undergoing try-out at the Romance Language Seminar of the University of Berlin since the summer semester of 1973. Basic to the concept of this exercise is the combining of oral training and area study. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Describes a college Spanish program consisting of a ten-week, intensive language course on campus and a ten-week, cultural immersion program in Mexico. (KM)

Points out those recommendations made by the Carnegie Commission which are most closely related to the field of modern languages and suggests ways in which language departments can strengthen their programs. (PM)

Discusses the role of the university, in particular the Canadian university, in FL instruction. (KM)