Hitherto, the People's University Certificate examinations were largely vocabulary and structure lists; the skills were weighted very differently. The new examinations define "behavioral objectives" much more exactly. Content guidelines are given, as well as text types, topics and "situations." A later article will discuss…

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)

There is a need for expanding offerings in foreign language instruction to reach different age and interest groups, prepare teachers, and educate students for positions in business, industry, and government. For students, foreign language study could be combined with the study of another field. (SW)

Information about materials available on alcoholism is provided. The materials can be used for a unit or mini-course (on the advanced level) on health care in the Federal Republic of Germany with particular emphasis on German teenagers and their concerns. (SW)

Two grade 7 groups were tested to compare their relative proficiency on numerous French and English language achievement tests. One group had followed the early immersion option through grade 6 and then a traditional English curriculum (with a French maintenance class); the other group had followed a traditional English curriculum (with a strong…

The poor outlook for foreign language teaching is discussed, and ways of combating the trend through public relations and publicity efforts are presented. (HP)

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)

The status of foreign language instruction in colleges and universities is examined in terms of both decreasing interest due to reliance on English as an international language, and of increasing needs due to developing national pride and expanding international trade. (LBH)

This paper outlines four existing policies for setting up language programs for immigrants: (1) total withdrawal; (2) absence of policy; (3) partial integration; and (4) total integration. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are analyzed. (CFM)

The ESL (English as a Second Language) program should be planned to fit the needs of the students involved. Topics for discussion and reading materials should be selected with the students' backgrounds in mind, and activities chosen according to the class's needs. Then real and relevant learning will take place. (CFM)

A study was undertaken to discover the reading strategies of successful and nonsuccessful second-language readers. Forty students' reading strategies were elicited, and a "reading map" constructed for a successful and a nonsuccessful reader. A procedure is suggested for using the "think-aloud" technique in the classroom. (KM)

An experimental university program in first-year French is described in which a self-instructional, programed text was used. Students proceeded at their own rate and were allowed repeated attempts to meet the minimal requirement of 75 percent mastery. Results indicated a higher level of performance but less material covered. (Author/RM)

The two studies reported examine changes in the control over inflections of New Zealand children aged 5-10 years. The progress of White New Zealand children with English as their mother tongue is contrasted with the progress of urban Maori children and urban Samoan children in Auckland. (Author/DB)

Discusses low reading levels, the drop in SAT scores, and the drop in language enrollments in relation to the study of classics.

A study involving eight Portugese and two Italian children in kindergarten was conducted to find out to what extent the cultural and linguistic handicaps of children from non English speaking families could be overcome by the use of non-linguistic materials. Available from: Journal of Practical Approaches to Developmental Handicap, 3304-33rd…