Among the comments on the "Normbook for English" are: it is admirably flexible; its limiting of learning goals to "basic skills" is too undifferentiated; for the graduate exam, it rightly prefers a text assignment to a theme assignment; goal-oriented auditory understanding exercises should be added. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

The Vancouver Community College offers a summer language program for Japanese visitors participating in educational travel-study tours. An instructor's manual for this program was recently developed. Curriculum development ideas, which can be adapted to any language training situation, are shared. (SW)

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)

A discussion of the use of films in foreign language teaching. A particular problem is the lack of readily available foreign language films without subtitles. A procedure for modification of the sixteen millimeter projector in order to obscure subtitles is described in detail. (AMH)

An overview is provided of modern language instruction in British schools and the teaching of less able learners. French is taught most frequently, followed by German. The question of academic standards, demand from employers for speakers of foreign languages, views of university teachers, and the training of language teachers are discussed. (SW)

The injection of conversation/discussion sessions into English language laboratory exercises could help to achieve the major objective of teaching English as a foreign language--helping the learner to express himself in English. Steps in developing the method are outlined. (SW)

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)