This article presents selected findings from an ethnographic study of classroom-based assessment practices in languages classrooms (Indonesian) in the final year of primary (Year 6) and the first year of secondary (Year 7), respectively. In particular, the paper focuses on differences between the respective year levels in how learning was assessed…

International Grammar School was founded twenty years ago on the belief in the benefits of immersion language learning for children. It offers immersion second language learning in German, Italian, French, and Japanese which continues through kindergarten into the high school years. With language as the medium and not the object of learning,…

In addressing the theme of transition in learning languages, describes aspects of three projects. Data are drawn from the projects to highlight issues in context, culture, and communication and principles that support transition and continuity in learning languages. (Author/VWL)

Highlights strategies and processes implemented across two schools as part of the Languages Focus Schools project in Australia. The intention was to improve outcomes for student learning in Spanish through a streamlined approach to programming, assessment, and transition from the first year of primary school to Grade 9, with a focus on the middle…

Describes a collaborative project whose goal was to explore ways to improve transition for students who have been learning a language in primary school for up to 7 years and choose to continue with this language when they enter high school. (Author/VWL)

Discusses assessment of student language learning in relation to the transition from elementary to secondary level education in Australia. (Author/VWL)

Discusses transitioning students from primary to secondary language programs from a Tasmanian perspective. Identifies factors important in a smooth transition from the primary to secondary level, based on research, and outlines the Tasmanian issues and action plans and acknowledges the challenges that remain. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on what has been learned from the implementation and evaluation of the Australian Language and Continuity Initiative (LCI) in relation to addressing transition issues in language education. (Author/VWL)

Presents a synthesis of the results of two research studies that examined he attitudes to Web-based language learning of primary, secondary, and tertiary students. Factors investigated include he following; students comfort. enjoyment, strategy strengths, learning styles, study preferences, and age and gender differences. (Author/VWL)

The place of languages other than English in schools remains controversial in Australia. Data discussed show that language education is still struggling to establish its place in the curriculum even though policy developments have recognized the importance of language learning and improved proficiency outcomes. (Author/VWL)

Explains how education is essentially about expanding students' literacies by developing sets of social practices that help them understand and participate in different social worlds, describing how to expand literacies through a Hispanic influence across the curriculum and how to increase the Hispanic influence through structural variations in…

Outlines the preferred learning styles of students studying second languages, offering suggestions for their application in second-language classrooms. The paper describes the right-brain/left-brain theory and how the two brain hemispheres are involved in learning; presents four classroom strategies (diversification, contextualization,…

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) National Professional Development Program helped language teachers familiarize themselves with the Languages Profile and collect and annotate work samples using the Profile. Their experiences become the basis for disseminating information among ACT language teachers. The paper presents recurrent issues raised…

Sociodramatic play, which combines role play and dramatization, is suitable for elementary and secondary language classrooms. It is learner centered and caters to varying language abilities. Children draw upon their existing experiences as the basis for their play. Teacher input is essential. The paper examines advantages and disadvantages of this…

Advocates the use of simulations in second-language classrooms, examining their advantages and presenting data from a study on college students' perceptions of the effectiveness of these advantages in an advanced second-language classroom. The study indicates that students found simulations enjoyable, motivating, and effective in promoting…