The primary purpose of this experiment is to determine the effect of reading development based on phonemic transcription and traditional orthography on the pronunciation of French as a second language. Sixteen level 1 French classes in Western New York State schools participated in the experiment in which the control and experimental classes…

Several traditional attitudes of guidance counselors and teachers concerning vocational opportunities available to language students are seen as being no longer viable in the light of society's rapidly changing vocational demands. Language students are urged not to consider teaching as a source of certain employment, particularly in view of the…

General guidelines for test preparation and use of the language laboratory are developed in this paper. Comparisons between written tests and oral language laboratory tests underscore the importance of clarity in test item preparation. This study examines: (1) test construction, (2) types of questions, (3) test administration, (4) test scoring,…

Attempting to discredit the widely held myth that the study of foreign languages serves only the interests of the college-bound student, this study describes a survey on the status of foreign language study in Illinois and proposes a new rationale for the study of foreign languages which would benefit the majority of students in American schools.…

An experimental course in college-level, introductory German, based on a modification of Fred S. Keller's work in individualized instruction, is described in this study. The establishment of specific time limits for completion of predetermined subject matter and the provision of tutorial services are essential variations from the classical…

An experimental approach to individualized instruction in German 1 and 2, based on the A-LM series revised edition, is described. The program neither prescribes behavioral objectives nor requires contracting for work to be performed for specific grades. Procedures followed in the preparation of instructional materials are reviewed. Results of the…

This text, the second of a two-volume series for use in an intermediate course in Vietnamese, contains 36 lessons of instructional materials. The course is intended for students in their third year of study. Each lesson includes a reading text, a vocabulary list, a student comprehension test, a dialogue, grammar notes, and cultural notes. A…

This text, the first of a two-volume series for use in an intermediate course in Vietnamese, contains 49 lessons of instructional materials. The course is intended for students in their third year of study. Each lesson includes a reading text, a vocabulary list, a student comprehension test, a dialogue, grammar notes, and cultural notes. A…

This evaluation of two programs of materials used in introductory French classes tests two basic hypotheses: (1) pretests are good predictors of subsequent French achievement at the junior high school level, and (2) students in different programs will achieve to the same degree on a final French test. Results of the groups using the "audiolingual"…

Four papers presented at a colloquium on foreign language teaching and learning stress topics and problems of immediate concern to the teaching profession. The documents include: (1) "ACTFL and the Changing Scene" by Edward Scebold, (2) "The Theory and Practice of Foreign Language Instruction: Overview and Recent Developments" by Guillermo del…

A chapter-by-chapter analysis of Wilga Rivers' textbook, "Teaching Foreign-Language Skills," is introduced by an address which focuses on the background, assumptions, and problems in writing the study. An overview of the educational scene and Dr. Rivers' work is also included. Chapters deal with: (1) objectives and methods, (2) the audiolingual…

This study explores the effect of visual stimuli on second language vocabulary development. An experiment performed at Georgetown University postulates the hypothesis that concrete target words learned through translation and visual aids should offer better learning than the same words learned through translation alone. Findings are determined…

This working paper is based on results of a survey made in England on how modern language teaching should develop in the secondary school system. Chapters include: (1) the Schools Council survey and the Nuffield Foundation survey, (2) vocational, linguistic, cultural, and educational objectives of modern language teaching, (3) teaching methods,…

This survey of educational practices in Great Britain is intended to allow a comparative view of the state of modern language instruction as it exists within the country and abroad. Chapters focus on general principles, language selection, grammar and secondary schools, instructional materials, foreign relations, teacher training, and teaching…

This study examines the effect of language study on the English reading skills of sixth-grade school children. Achievement in reading skills of a control group of students receiving no foreign language instruction was compared with that in the Latin instruction group. Differences in scores of pretests and posttests of the more than 1100 students…