Works on constructing a computational model of phonological short-term memory. Initial goals include performing large-scale research for data on the characteristics of phonological retention and retrieval, learning existing theoretical constructs, exploring alternative computational methods, and gathering experimental evidence to constrain the…

Presents the first stage in a research effort developing a detailed computational model of working memory. The central feature of the model is counterintuitive. It is assumed that there is a primacy gradient of activation across successive list items. A second stage of the model is influenced by the combined effects of the primacy gradient and…

Investigates the incidence of segmental and prosodic contrasts in recorded sentence materials and the use of such distinctions in the processing of utterances. The chosen materials involve sites of parsing ambiguity. Results show that in the immediate interpretation of spoken language input, intonational contrasts function as clear structural…

Examines the development of a computational model of auditory grouping processes informed by psychoacoustic experimentation. The experimental theme was to quantify the contribution of grouping principles, rather than simply to demonstrate their existence. This article demonstrates the importance of avoiding prespecified procedures for grouping…

Discusses a study that was conducted to determine the effects of school affiliation on the level of language competency attained by Spanish 1 students. Competency in all four language skills was measured by a Spanish 1 exam, and the differences between the two groups in attitude toward foreign language learning were examined. (JL)

This article reports the results of a survey conducted in 1992-93 of foreign language programs and issues in middle schools. Members of professional organizations representing state and local foreign language supervisors were surveyed to ascertain the nature and extent of exploratory and sequential course offerings, as well as supervisors views on…

This position statement was developed by members of the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages to assist school districts as they develop middle school foreign language programs. (JL)

This article focuses on reasons for using foreign language experience programs (FLEX) with middle school students. Specific sections provide a description of an interdisciplinary FLEX program and discuss the goals, objectives, and roots of exploratory programs; uses of the exploratory approach; a multidimensional curriculum; and a "grass roots"…

Makes a counterpoint to a previous article that makes a case for using the exploratory approach to teaching second languages in middle schools. The article advocates a well-organized and sequential language program at the middle school level that includes interdisciplinary ties, content-based instruction, and a strong linguistic and cultural…

This article makes a case for using a sequential approach in teaching foreign languages at the middle school level. Specific sections address the limitations of the exploratory approach, a longer sequential study of a foreign language, and thematic curriculum development. (JL)

Makes a case for a sequential approach to teaching foreign languages middle schools and suggests that in the middle school must encompass both the goals of proficiency and exploration; the integrated exploratory model is more compatible with child development; exploratory can be a launching pad into sequential courses; after an exploratory…

Presents a synthesis of key principles of successful classroom management and instruction for second-language educators. This summary of practices, verified in classrooms from the elementary to the postsecondary levels, describes what effective second-language teachers do in both the short- and long-term to enhance student learning and to motivate…

This article looks at the implications of the Culture Syllabus of the National Core French Study for Canadian French teachers. It also examines some of the suggestions made regarding how culture should be taught. (JL)

Reports a study that investigated ethnocentrism in foreign language education. The study utilized a quasiexperimental intact group design where nine sections of first-semester German students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one that stressed German and American cultural similarities, one that stressed German and American…

Provides an overview of the most widely used methods of classroom oral testing, as well as evaluations of their practicality and conformity to the goals of communicative teaching and testing. Also described are ways the video camera and task-based activities have successfully been used to make oral testing a more realistic communicative…