Demonstrates recent curriculum developments in the German Studies Program at an Australian University by describing a case study as an example of the integration of literature into an advanced German course. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the decline in the use of literature in foreign language instruction at the secondary level, despite the role literature plays in college level instruction. Describes a project in an Italian studies program that introduced units based on a number of canonical texts. (Author/VWL)

Aimed to investigate what cultural factors might influence the classroom performance of overseas-educated foreign language teachers in Australian classrooms. Particular focus is on the early classroom experience of Japanese native speaking teachers and trainees. (Author/VWL)

Defines the notion of standards in education in the Australian context, discusses educational outcomes and their measurement, and examines the evaluation of language skills, cultural knowledge and understanding, and development of cross cultural attitudes. (Author/VWL)

Addresses the following issues as they relate to the concept of standards in education: the content of standards, defining standards, setting standards, and using standards. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the introduction of standards in the Australian educational setting, which have been used to measure language learning. Suggests that language teaching and assessment are likely to be most effective if teachers' awareness extends beyond the technicalities of assessment. (Author/VWL)

Describes a beginners' French Web site that aims to expose learners to the authentic French of native speakers and to the French produced by tutors and learners within the Web site itself. Provides information for incorporating Web-based instruction. (Author/VWL)

Reports on research that was undertaken as part of a Bachelor of Teaching Honours degree program where researchers looked at a Japanese program in a Tasmanian government primary school. Describes the strategies that were used to develop learners' metalinguistic awareness. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that the Australian Language Levels (ALL Guidelines should combine the sociocultural goals with the concept of cultural awareness and integrate them with the concept of intercultural goals at all stages of language learning. (Author/VWL)

Provides a brief summary of past and present rationales for language learning and details the context in which languages are taught today. Explores a future rationale for language learning taken from a broad perspective, addresses the role of culture in language learning, and provides reasons for a re-evaluation of the rationale for individual…

Describes a project that aimed to provide target language experiences for second and third year Spanish as a foreign language learners in Australia. The project involved exposing students to native Spanish speakers. Findings show that students made a noticeable improvement in communicative competence, and they became more knowledgeable about…

Comments on issues related to the collection of work samples to accompany language profiles written for language education in Australia. Suggests that the developers of the ACT work samples have produced an important collection of materials that will work best with a series of guided professional development activities where teachers come together…

Discusses on-line learning and whether it will become popular in Australia. Focuses on the availability of on-line courses, interaction in the virtual classroom, the need for direct contact, flexible learning, and learning outcomes. (Author/VWL)

Challenges an earlier article that suggests replacing secondary level language learning with a general linguistics course. (Author/VWL)

This is the first part of a three-part paper that explores the role that school language learning can play in the development of literacy, as well as the role that the teaching of literacy can play in language learning. This part deals with what current Australian Federal Government policies on literacy mean by literacy. (Author/VWL)