A change in language laboratory use at the University of North Alabama has given new meaning to the lab requirement and role. While developing a language program, the developer reviewed the language lab's traditional role and found a mixed history with many negative aspects. Personal experience also revealed problems, including: students and…

This paper gives an overview of issues related to language assessment of prospective bilingual education teachers who are enrolled in postsecondary institutions. The review indicates that, generally, little has been done on the establishment of entry/exit level criteria for language assessment. Where criteria exist, they are viewed in terms of the…

The objective of the course described here is to provide the teaching assistants (TAs) with help, encouragement, and constructive criticism. An orientation program lasts one week and follows the following schedule: (1) On the first day, a general introduction to general university and departmental policies is given, as well as to teaching methods…

The Full-Year Asian Language Concentration (FALCON) program was designed for students who need an intensive program in Chinese to make them proficient enough for graduate study. Using L1, FALCON teaches students to express adult concepts in L2. Since good writing requires a great degree of proficiency, it is neglected initially for the sake of a…

A historical review of the establishment of the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages and its bulletin highlights both the changes that have occurred and are continuing to occur in the foreign language profession and the association's focus on covering the multifaceted perspectives and needs of the profession. (CB)

Argues that the research on language immersion and subject-matter teaching indicates that the immersion approach is a feasible and desirable alternative to traditional skills-based instruction for college-level foreign-language programs. (Author/CB)

Describes Quebec French-language instructional programs for non-native speakers, covering government, university, and association offerings. (CB)

The University of Calgary's response to requests from the Canadian Parents for French for a review of bilingual opportunities at the institution is chronicled. The response is analyzed in terms of the financial and pedagogical problems operative on the postsecondary level. (MSE)

Describes the National Simulation in International Studies and Translation Program which links international studies and foreign languages programs at a number of universities. This program provides a natural context for the exercise of translation for the language student and an authenticity of experience for students of international politics.…

Recommends that foreign language courses in college be restructured to provide separate tracks for students pursuing language study for different purposes. The tracks are: (1) for language majors, (2) for students preparing for international professions, and (3) for students who need to fulfill foreign language requirements. (SED)

Discusses the status of foreign language learning in connection with the humanities, and suggests a redefinition of the mission of the foreign language department in the research university. It is proposed that students be trained in language teaching skills in combination with branches of the humanities other than literature, without neglecting…

Discusses Ohio State University's Individualized Instruction Program for nontraditional college students who are studying Chinese for specific professional purposes. Describes the way the program functions and the resources necessary to deliver instruction while maintaining high quality. The audiotape is the most effective learning tool for this…

Describes the study-abroad program offered by Colorado College in Luneburg, Germany. The program consists of four blocks of three to four weeks each, during which time students take the following courses: (1) Intermediate German; (2) Composition and Conversation; (3) Culture and Institutions; and (4) a course which varies from year to year. (SED)

Describes a survey of the heads of doctoral degree-granting foreign language departments to determine whether there was sufficient unanimity among them as to which journals are considered important outlets for major research efforts. Although some journals were mentioned much more frequently than others, no true ranking emerged from the survey.…

Argues that video material for foreign language teaching should be designed to serve as model for immediate language production and not just for listening comprehension and culture. Describes some classroom strategies for use with video instruction. (EKN)