This paper presents some reasons for reconsidering the use of discrete structure-point tests of language proficiency, and suggests an alternative basis for designing proficiency tests. Discrete point tests are one of the primary tools of the audio-lingual method of teaching a foreign language and are based on certain assumptions, including the…

It is claimed that the cognate approach to learning a foreign language is used successfully in commercial enterprises and that it could be applied more extensively to second language learning in an academic setting. Such an approach is presented in this textbook about cognates. Four aspects of the question are considered: (1) a psychological frame…

This inquiry into the role of literature in English as a second language is based upon an examination of six basic issues or principles: (1) the position of English as a foreign language within a country; (2) the aims of English instruction within a country; (3) the way in which the native literature is taught in a country; (4) the availability of…

Extracts from a journal kept by a French-speaking adult student in an intensive German language class are presented here. It is a critique of the audio-visual method, texts, teaching techniques, and students' reactions during the two parts of the course at the University of Berne. The extracts deal particularly with a comparison of the texts used…

The wide assortment of books and seminars on assertiveness training shows a growing desire among people to learn how to express their feelings. This paper attempts to adapt many of these techniques to the foreign language classroom. Sixteen activities which enable students to practice communication are proposed. They encompass all levels of…

Now that teachers and administrators have become aware of the administrative organization of the language laboratory and the daily routine essential to the proper functioning of its equipment, attention ought to be focused on its more creative use in enhancing the learning processes. This orientation in attitude is reflected in the newly generated…

FOUR NEW DIRECTIONS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING REFLECT THE IMPORTANCE OF USING INSIGHTS FROM OTHER DISCIPLINES TO STIMULATE NEW APPROACHES TO OLD PROBLEMS. FIRST, FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING MATERIALS AND METHODS MUST BE BASED ON ACCURATE DESCRIPTIONS AND CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS OF THE SYSTEMS OF COMMUNICATIVE SIGNALS WHICH PEOPLE PRODUCE AND…

STANDARDS ARE PROPOSED FOR STUDENT UNDERSTANDING IN THE SOCIOCULTURAL COMPONENTS OF A LEVEL II LANGUAGE COURSE, OR AFTER THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF A LANGUAGE IN HIGH SCHOOL. BRIEF STATEMENTS OF STANDARDS FOR LEVELS I, III, AND IV ARE PROVIDED AS BACKGROUND. IT IS ASSUMED THAT NO ENGLISH WILL BE USED IN CLASS, AND THAT CULTURAL INSIGHTS WILL BE TAUGHT…

A foreign language and culture program is advocated in place of the traditional language and literature program in today's schools. The potential importance of television and films in presenting cultural context is stressed, but the poor caliber of existing foreign language television programs in the United States (with a few notable exceptions)…

A brief discussion of traditional Latin textbooks is followed by a survey of the first attempts at new materials (emphasizing integration of audiovisual aids and texts) at the William Penn Charter School and at the University of Michigan. The body of the article considers the structural approach, using "Latin: A Structural Approach"…

This is a program evaluation of a language laboratory aide project initiated in two Milwaukee high schools. Some brief remarks on objectives, the schools involved, and project procedures are followed by the evaluation plan. Major attention is directed to the section on results, including pretest and posttest comparisons, a follow-up study, student…

Six conference papers, presented first in Italian and then in English, are collected in this booklet. They are: "International Comprehension through Education" by H.R. Light, "The Prelingual Period in Foreign Language Learning" by Djoraje Kostic, "Reconciling Old and New Methods of Language Teaching" by Derrick Plant, "The Use of the Language…

The five papers collected in this booklet present an overall view of language development from the early 1950's to the present. Joshua A. Fishman discusses language and the problems of social and national development and indicates how sociolinguistic research may illuminate these problems. Albert H. Marckwardt considers the teaching of English as…

Designed for teachers and administrators, this curriculum guide outlines the aims, techniques, contents, and scope of language instruction at the various levels. Topics detailed include the language laboratory, summer institutes and camps, team teaching, teacher qualifications, materials selection, foreign study, exchange programs, tests, and…

This teaching guide is especially oriented for the English as a second language (ESL) instructor who has had no previous training in articulatory phonetics, though it may be useful to the expert phonetician as well. It suggests that the ESL instructor consider the use of some basics of articulatory phonetics in teaching pronunciation according to…