In 1964, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) had about 30,000 foreign children and youths of school age. That number rose to about 159,000 in 1970-71; at the end of 1972, the population under 21 was estimated at 850,000. The Conference of Education adopted, in 1971, amplified and detailed recommendations on the education of foreign workers'…

Discusses the Intercultural Learning Network, an international computer network designed to enable students from different cultures to work with one another. Questions addressed include whether it is technically possible, economically feasible, and useful for instructional purposes; what organizational structures are required; and whether it can…

This document suggests 18 changes to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in four targeted areas. Regarding Assessment and Accountability, The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) supports: (1) Implementing an accountability system that gives credit for progress and/or proficiency; (2) Creating levels for making adequate yearly progress (AYP) that…

The Commission d'evaluation de l'enseignement collegial in Quebec evaluated the implementation of general education in all of the institutions offering programs leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DEC). Seventy-five institutions were covered by the evaluation: 49 public colleges, 20 subsidized private colleges, and six institutions reporting…

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of some proposed activities for developing creative thinking of English learners at the preparatory stage. The current study adopted the quasi- experimental design. Two groups of English learners were randomly chosen from one of Port- Said governmental preparatory schools. The experimental…

This brief discusses the challenge of learning English as a second language and the social interaction patterns these children exhibit, along with limited communication abilities, that are similar to those exhibited by children identified with specific language impairments or with speech impairments. It is not uncommon for many of these children…

The need for empirical validation of a specific set of second language proficiency descriptors for the four skill areas- -reading, writing, listening, and speaking--provided the impetus for the work described in this report. The University of California at Los Angeles Center for the Study of Evaluation developed a validation plan and undertook…

Extensive reading (ER) programs involve students in silently reading large quantities of materials. These materials are usually at a level that permits students to gain at least a fair understanding of what they are reading without outside help. Such programs' benefits for first- and second-language (L1 and L2) learners are well documented (Coady,…

The Council on Learning's national conference of a representative segment of academic leadership held a discussion to elicit comments on the Council's Education and World View project. Internationalization of courses, language requirements, multicultural education, community colleges, teacher education, and undergraduate education are discussed.…

Reports on an experiment that sought to determine the change in attitudes of secondary school students toward Mexico and Mexicans following a five-week experience in Mexico. Attitudes were tested on a semantic differential. (AM)

Focuses on the challenges associated with the introduction of language education in a secondary classroom containing learners of diverse backgrounds. Presents the results of action research of two groups of girls studying French. Findings indicate that a large group of learners can develop language skills through pair work and group activities and…

Focuses on the efficacy of computer use for learning Kanji characters and improving Japanese vocabulary levels, with reference to software designed to improve Kanji learning in a self-access learning mode. Findings reveal that all the students in an Australian university using the computer to learn Kanji increased their grades and that those most…

Evaluates software developed for advanced learners of a second language. The software uses the target language (German) exclusively, brings together language and literature teaching, and includes a large variety of written exercises with scored feedback. Findings reveal that students are enthusiastic about using this multimedia program and…

Describes a computer assisted language learning course that includes the construction of student home pages, with particular focus on second language acquisition, student interaction, development of technical skills and class participation. Findings reveal that students experience a sense of achievement when other people comment on their home…

Reports a study of first-year A-level college students studying a foreign language in southwest England. The results concern students' perceptions of the way they chose their A-level subjects and of those subjects a few weeks into the courses. Results reveal a lack of confidence among the girls despite their superior academic qualifications to the…