In an effort to strengthen teacher training, advanced language learning, and general skill development, one university developed an upper division "internship" in German. German majors and nonmajors were attracted to the course for its emphasis on skills applicable in the job market. (MSE)

An account of the way the Dartmouth Intensive Language Model was introduced and revised at Washington University. The topics discussed are the class organization, staffing, teaching methods, financing, the summer and year-long study-abroad programs, college administration support, student response, and enrollment trends. (AMH)

Laments the lack of institutional commitment to language learning in most colleges and universities. To improve the situation, suggests the introduction, in selected departments, of substantive courses where students are encouraged or required to use their language skills, and evaluation of performance in the course replaces proficiency exams.…

Describes development and implementation of system of individualized instruction at Ohio State University at elementary level in Arabic, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Funded by National Endowment for the Humanities, the project involved three components--teacher-assisted, mastery-based, and self-paced instruction (TAMBSPI).…

Argues for cooperation between university language departments and Self-Instructional Language Programs (SILP) coordinations, as well as for the recognition of the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs (NASILP) as a valuable center for standardization and evaluation. (AM)

Foreign language department chairs are faced with leadership challenges that require them to mediate between new forces and old practices and between youthful enthusiasm and proven experience. While some changes demanded by current circumstances must be opposed, leaders must choose their battles carefully. Several real examples are explored. (MSE)

Discusses how foreign language departments can lead in the development of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curricula because of their vast experience with multidisciplinary work. Particular focus is on the less commonly taught languages, which offer rich and neglected academic resources that can help demystify foreign cultures and diversify…

Urges foreign language departments at colleges and universities to take advantage of what is new--student demographics, academic preparation, the position of the humanities in society--and regard it as an opportunity to rethink the curriculum. Provides a six-stage outline of the process, from taking stock of what faculty members and their fields…

Describes an innovative teacher education program that prepares elementary school foreign language teachers to work in immersion or partial immersion schools. The model's effects on other teacher preparation components and possible use by other institutions are also discussed. (Author/CB)

Policy statements of the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages are presented for administration of foreign language departments; use of outside reviewers; and statement of good practice: teaching, evaluation, and scholarship.(LB)

Examines the role of songs in Arabic as a foreign language university courses. It is argued that songs can be effectively used to impart knowledge of, as well as about, the target language in its standard and nonstandard forms and can help to place the target language in its cultural context. (10 references) (GLR)

The Union County College Institute for Intensive English used a series of grants to effectively resolve problems that typically occur when computers are used in English-as-a-Second-Language instruction, including identifying good software, getting faculty comfortable with computers, and making computers easily accessible. (CB)

Describes how one university's change from a seat-time to a proficiency-based foreign-language requirement affected foreign-language programs and instructional approaches, and focuses on the reasons for the change, student and instructor attitudes, and administrative changes. (CB)

Practical steps taken by one college department to develop and expand overlapping concerns about second-language instruction methods are reported. Ways are described for promoting communication and cooperation among instructors with different approaches and priorities, along with techniques for helping students adapt to different teaching styles.…

College second language programs offer more to students than knowledge of the language. Language study can challenge students intellectually and creatively and contribute to their academic and social development, even when language study is begun at this level. Value is found in the substance, process, and outcomes of language study. (Author/MSE)