Examines whether learners initiate attention to form, as requests for assistance, feedback on error, modeling, or repetitions, recasts, and requests for clarification. Results suggest that learners can and do attend to form, though relatively infrequently. The most frequent way they they do this is to request assistance from their teachers.…

Discusses research on classroom instructed second language learning, focusing solely on spoken language. Examines the structure of repair in form and accuracy contexts in the second language classroom and on the preference organization association within the structure of repair in such contexts. (Author/VWL)

Gives a brief history of the National Network for Early Language Learning, an organization formed specifically to focus on the teaching of foreign languages to young children. A descriptive chronology is provided from November 1986 through 1997. (Author/JL)

One of the intriguing aspects of the cultures goal in the national standards for foreign language learning is the relationships that are highlighted among cultural perspectives, practices, and products. In classrooms, teachers may already address cultural practices and products but may not consider philosophical perspectives of culture. Purpose of…

Summarizes a study on block scheduling for second-language programs among Canadian middle school students. Results show that students studying French on a block schedule (e.g., one-half day instruction over a 10-week period) performed better on standardized tests than did control students who received standard 40-minute per day French instruction.…

Presents a personal reflection of the difficulties of being a non-English-speaking child in the United States. As a Spanish-language instructor, the author realizes the potential she has to influence her students, teaching not just about the language but also about the culture of Spanish-speaking people. (ER)

Examines the effect of foreign language education on the basic skills of elementary school students. A group of third-grade students given three 30-minute Spanish language lessons per week performed as well as or better than a control group (given no second-language instruction) on academic achievement tests. (ER)

Describes the experiences of one Connecticut school district where, since the 1950s, all students have studied a foreign language beginning in elementary school. Discusses the importance of a long sequence of study, obstacles to and essential elements for success, the need for community support, and the benefits of parents as advocates. (SM)

Discusses how electronic mail helps foreign-language (FL) teachers by enhancing their curriculum, improving their FL contacts, and facilitating their own professional development. Electronic mail offers access to discussion groups and newsgroups. It allows teachers to design activities and projects that enhance their curriculum and provide…

Examines federal legislation related to education over recent years, highlighting the 104th and 105th Congress and discussing bills to make English the official United States language and to deny public education to children of undocumented aliens. Also discusses funding allotted to various educational endeavors, including foreign-language study,…

Describes the local political action and advocacy efforts of members of the National Network for Early Language Learning in promoting foreign language education, focusing on the efforts of Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Vermont. Also lists recipients of state exemplary political action and advocacy awards. (SM)

Highlights one elementary school's experiences with foreign languages. The school joined a student exchange program with Italy, introducing Italian lessons into some classes. Spanish classes were soon added. Italian and American students communicated as pen pals and visited each other's countries. This successful foreign-language program has…

Secondary school teachers invented a context for Louisiana's Eighth Grade French and Spanish Proficiency/Credit Exams based on real-life situations students would encounter on class trips to Disney's EPCOT Center. Test activities assess performance in four language skills areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Students' reaction to this…

Describes the history, curriculum, and methodology of elementary school foreign-language (FL) learning within Waldorf schools, using information from Waldorf FL teachers, class observations, and research readings. Waldorf students study two FLs. An oral/choral method is used in the early years. Reading, writing, and formal grammar are introduced…

This regional dossier aims to provide concise, descriptive information and basic educational statistics about minority language education in a specific region of the European Union--Fryslan, one of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands. Aspects that are addressed include features of the education system, recent educational policies, main actors,…