Examines computerized text analysis by considering questions related to how computerized text analysis programs function, the history of computerized text analysis, and the claims of previous research on computerized text analysis. It is suggested that claims about the effectiveness of computerized text analysis as a writing aid for…

Overviews the teaching of languages, particularly English, over a long time span. For centuries, the creative process of language learning, as opposed to the formalized pattern of language teaching, was largely ignored. It is suggested that there is nothing doctrinal about teaching methods, language learning will never be an exact science, and…

Compiles the main findings of the Oxford Project on Diversification of First Foreign Language Teaching. This project examined pupils' and teachers' experiences of diversification, set in the context of local and national developments in language policy, and investigated matters affecting decisions as to which modern foreign language(s) to offer.…

Using a questionnaire given to oral examiners working in the field, this study investigates the different perspectives that examiners bring to their assessment of conversation on a prepared topic. The oral examination studied consisted of three parts--discussing stimulus material, conversing on a prepared topic and discussing issues of personal…

Examines ways to motivate students who do not want to learn a foreign language. Questionnaires were completed by 191 year 9 pupils and 7 teachers. The responses of the teachers offered simple strategies that could be replicated without great addition to workload or financial outlay. Responses of a disgruntled minority of students are presented.…

Lists 22 activities that might serve as a useful starting point for those embarking on the teaching of literature in the target language for the first time. The key to the activities is to get the students to do the thinking. These activities are designed to build up to and complement conventional essay-writing. (CK)

Provides information about the current state of examinations equivalent to A-level in France and Germany. This article is the second in a series offering a comparative view of assessment patterns so as to inform the debate about the future development of A-level. The article covers years 11, 12 and 13 of the German School System. (five references)…

Overviews government policy of national coordination aimed at achieving broad agreements on curriculum objectives for the General Certificate for Secondary Education and providing examinations reflecting that agreement. This article also presents the experience of teachers and examiners regarding the validity of the government's claim as to the…

Describes an inservice and initial teacher education project designed to develop Information Technology (IT) competence in teachers through the design and production of a hypercard software package. This program focuses on stimulating the production of curriculum materials and teaching strategies in which IT is integrated within language learning…

Describes an inservice course for sixth-form teachers to examine ways of moving away from course books and discussing ways of getting pupils to be more competent orally, especially in the context of discussion issues as opposed to general conversation. Two intensive courses were used as the basis for the inservice day. (CK)

Describes Europe Week, a one-week preservice teacher education course conducted during the summer at the University of Nottingham (UK). Students were encouraged to increase their knowledge and understanding of Europe, consider issues of European comparative education, plan ways to integrate a European dimension across the curriculum, and…

Describes an effort to develop resources to make French and German more accessible to deaf students. This article focuses on assisting teaching colleagues who are overwhelmed at the prospect of teaching the deaf, providing insight into the teaching of French to the profoundly deaf, and outlining work underway to meet the needs of disadvantaged…

Examines specific approaches to the acquisition and teaching of word, syntax, and text attack skills in foreign language (FL) classes. The role played by computers in second-language reading is considered, and a discussion of problems currently facing the teacher who wishes to allocate reading a more prominent place in the FL learning program is…

Attempts to clarify the role of grammar in second-language instruction. It is suggested that changes in language teaching have encouraged the view that grammar is one of several dimensions along which learners need to progress to achieve greater proficiency but that it should not be dominant. (22 references) (CK)

Focuses on the teaching of grammar in foreign language learning situations. Drawing the learners' attention to the linguistic patterns and providing them with the underlying rules and principles can enhance the learning process as learners usually try to discover rules from the language data by themselves. (71 references) (CK)