Historically, in the educational field, numerous efforts have been made to facilitate the complex process of second language (L2) reading comprehension. While computers are increasingly being used for instruction for L2 reading, there is not yet a solid understanding of how this technology can be effectively used in the area of L2 reading…

A study investigated the writing strategies used by English as a second language (ESL) students in writing electronic mail (e-mail) messages, and to what extent certain ESL teaching variables influenced students' use of writing strategies. Subjects were 16 ESL teachers and their 208 university students. Students were administered a 50-item…

The development of a second-year college French language course based on principles of communicative competence and the notional-functional approach is described. Although spoken language is the primary focus of the course, it is also designed to cover a broader range of writing skills than the traditional college language course. (MSE)

The task for those recognizing the importance of foreign language and international studies is to demonstrate to Americans why it makes economic and political sense to invest part of the defense budget in the tools necessary to help Americans talk to, understand, and trade with the rest of the world. (MSE)

Presents a practical, flexible framework for teaching communicative competence. Examples of objectives, materials, activities, and testing procedures are from the first-year German courses at the University of Arizona but are largely applicable to foreign language instruction in general. (EKN)

A worldwide survey of 89 institutions teaching languages at a distance was undertaken to learn of alternative delivery systems and teaching methods (textbooks, workbooks, audiocassettes, radio, television, and others). Skills taught are compared with program components at Canada's Athabasca University. (MSE)

Conferences and workshops in which secondary school and university foreign language teachers discussed communicative competence, foreign language in the business world, and classroom activities are described. These and other programs sponsored by the University of Toledo promoted foreign language learning, teacher interaction, and the university's…

The foreign language program in the Edison, New Jersey public schools is described. The exemplary features of this program are: (1) It is not limited to college-bound students, (2) a significant provision is made for program advocacy, and (3) there are full four- and six-year sequences in French, Spanish, and German. (PMJ)

Presents the results of an April 1996 survey on articulation between and among Japanese programs. Attempts to offer commentary about articulation from the perspective of Japanese and about the results of the survey, and to tie these results to more general issues. Suggests that articulation is an ongoing problem for virtually all language…

The negotiation and legitimation of academic values are explored through a discussion of a university foreign language department's definition of foreign language requirements, curricular and instructional needs and methods, and staff requirements. The instructional staff's lack of power in defining the program limited their ambition and…

The Foreign Language Understanding Engendered by Naturalistic Techniques (Fluent) project is an educational system for beginning foreign language learning. Arguments are made in support of Fluent's scientific and practical potential for a situation-based, two-medium conversational environment that refers to pedagogical and second-language…

Discusses specific instruments and procedures that university-level foreign languages and literatures departments can use in outcomes-assessment of their undergraduate majors, including standardized tests, oral assessments, questionnaires, and portfolios. Case studies of outcomes-assessment programs in language departments at the University of…

Describes the development and implementation of a student exchange program between schools in the Bangor area of North Wales and the Lycee Europeen Jean Monnet in France, focusing on the experiences of the French students in North Wales. The views of students, student teachers, and teachers concerning the program are examined. (six references)…

This paper cites observational and interview evidence indicating that language immersion students in the United States and Canada increasingly avoid using their second language in peer interactions as they move into higher primary grade levels. Implications for immersion programs and teachers are discussed. (32 references) (MDM)