This study, the culmination of a 3-year effort, represents the first step in the establishment of a European unit-credit system for foreign language learning by adults. Objectives are based on learners' needs and expressed in terms of operational learning objectives, with reference to the roles a language-user has to play, the settings in which he…

This paper discusses current problems in the teaching of foreign languages, suggests reasons for its present decline, and proposes a program to be developed at the local level which could serve as a model for a state-wide curriculum. After discussing enrollment trends and causes for the lack of articulation in foreign language instruction at all…

Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese will find varied information in 27 articles related to their profession. Articles pertain to the following general categories: (1) language learning theory, (2) teacher education, (3) teaching methodology, (4) program articulation, (5) student evaluation, (6) instructional materials, and (7) professional…

This study assesses the implementation of the "Let's Be Amigos" program for Spanish- and English-speaking students during its first year. The program, operating in Philadelphia at the elementary and secondary school levels, is described in terms of instructional objectives, evaluation criteria and procedures, student performance, teacher…

Sample examinations in French, German, Spanish, and Russian for the elementary and intermediate levels are contained in this publication. The French examinations test: (1) speaking ability, (2) listening comprehension, (3) vocabulary, (4) grammar, and (5) reading. The tests on German measure vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading…

This report by a former President of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and Director of Foreign Languages Instruction in New York City Schools, concerns itself with five major areas. They include: (1) foreign language teacher and administrator relations, (2) a proposal for regional support teams, (3) the development of…

A short review of the various "revolutions" in methodology which foreign language instruction has undergone since its inception as an area of study leads into an appraisal of the role of government and private foundations in the education of teachers. The four-point program of the Washington Fourth Draft plan for teacher education and…

An experiment, using College Board Achievement Tests in German Reading and Listening Comprehension, to compare the effectiveness of earphones and loudspeakers in language test presentation is described. Related opinions, implications, and conclusions on the effectiveness of communication media in language teaching and testing are offered. (AF)

Dr. Simon Belasco's paper "Programmed Instruction and the Psychology of Second Language Learning" explores basic assumptions held by curriculum designers and teachers concerning the possibility of second language acquisition in an artificial, unicultural, and contrived classroom environment. Concepts relating to scope and sequence, New Key…

Problems inherent in the teaching of literature in Europe are articulated in this article. A review of Sartre's views, in an early essay, on the place of literature in society leads into a discussion of social structure, anthropology, and politics. The concept of literature as an art form, the problems of psychological identity and maturity, and…

Five position papers resulting from a conference on the teaching of FLES discuss recent theory about elementary education and are intended to initiate a dialogue among teachers of foreign languages directed toward the exploration of ways and means of managing educational change. The report suggests how a broader rationale and a new curriculum base…

Notions of professionalism, examined in this address, are introduced by a brief history of language instruction from the mid-1930's to the present. The author then comments on the role of the National Defense Education Act institutes, the relevance of language instruction, college teaching assistants, teacher preparation, post-graduate education,…

The developmental scheme of the systems approach could be applied effectively to the design of foreign language teacher education. After the performance objectives had been formulated and the learning tasks analyzed and characterized, the design of the system could be undertaken. This would involve--(1) functions and component analyses, (2) the…

The various forms of folklore are identified and suggestions are made on the use of some of them in the daily language lesson for the development of cultural understanding and language skills. Folk tales, proverbs, riddles, and regional slurs are discussed along with the French cultural themes and value systems they illustrate. A brief annotated…

This revised and expanded version of "Modern Foreign Languages: A Counselor's Guide" discusses questions about foreign language study often asked by high school students. Spanning more than half the guide, the appendixes treat specific topics: (1) languages spoken by more than a million native speakers, (2) programs and publications (exchange,…