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)

Summarizes the main criticisms aimed at English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) instruction in Japan. Each criticism is followed by a commentary that attempts to deconstruct the underlying cultural assumptions. Suggests that the frequent calls for the development of EFL from outside Japan need to respect the principles of cultural continuity.…

Considers the future challenges for languages in Australia. Discusses the place of language in policy, the place of languages in the curriculum, the role of professional associations, and redeveloping a constituency for languages. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the importance of teaching culture in the second language classroom. Examines the difference between teaching the static or dynamic view of culture. Focuses on intercultural language teaching and developing intercultural competence. (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)

The second part of an article that discussed official policies that foster favorable cross-cultural attitudes though language teaching and described a pilot project undertaken to see whether involvement in foreign language learning was an influential factor in cross-cultural attitudes presents results of the study. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the value of preservice language teachers participating in in-country experiences. Looks at how a group of Tasmanian preservice teachers dealt with cultural differences during the school experience and rural homestay in Indonesia. Suggests ways that future groups can learn to cope when encountering cultural mismatch. (Author/VWL)

Compares Queensland teachers' conceptions of communicative language teaching with those held by 11 Japanese junior high school teachers of English, interviewed in 1997 as part of a s part study on the development of language teaching in Japan. (Author/VWL)

Argues against Australia's One Literacy movement, which advocates for a singular, measurable, narrowly-defined, English-only literacy that is to be applied to all schooling in Australia. Calls for an alternative approach that involves mastery of multiple languages and systems, diverse modes, and plural meanings of literate practice in contemporary…

Discusses the value of second language (L2) learning and suggests that students who learn an L2 in school can develop literacy skills faster than students who do not learn an L2. Examines the role of metalinguistic awareness, the role of language learning in literacy development, and literacy in its cultural context. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the language teaching situation in Australia and the sense of professional distance between English-as-a-Second-Language teachers and foreign language teachers, which is unproductive for the teaching of literacy. Suggests that if teachers of English and teachers of foreign languages can be encouraged to work together, the best option…

Discusses questions regarding how the experience of learning to read in a second language can affect literacy in the first language and what benefits of such experience might be. Argues that learning a second language can contribute in many important ways to developing positive attitudes towards reading as well as heightening reading skills in a…

Discusses the teaching of Chinese characters in the second language context. To demystify the difficulty of learning characters, a few myths that surround them are examined. (Author/VWL)

An Australian English teacher discusses her experiences as a teacher on a teacher exchange to a high school in Zouping, China. (Author/VWL)

While the notion that cross-cultural awareness is is considered important in foreign language education, there are few studies that provide information on how language teaching and learning can foster positive cross-cultural attitudes. Discusses a questionnaire that asked learners about their attitudes toward learning languages, migrants, other…