Describes the natures of changes in political structures that are leading to a new internationalism and economic interdependence and discusses Australia's readiness to meet the ensuing challenges. Effective international exchange requires the highest levels of communicative capability and reaffirms the rationale for the social purposes of language…

Focuses on the effectiveness of the communicative approach to language learning, with particular reference to the new French syllabus in Australia. Concludes that although the communicative approach appears to be working for many students, there is a need for teachers to focus on grammatical structures and form for optimal learning to take place.…

Describes the ebb and flow of developments in language education in Tasmania. Notes priorities and developments in second language learning there while emphasizing that the island state of Tasmania is geographically isolated from the rest of the world, a situation leading to indifference toward second language learning. (Author/CK)

Presents a critical review of the South Australian and national language scenes. Notes the general apathy existing in state and federal educational circles for the vigorous pursuit of a second language teaching policy that is essential for Australia's future as a political and economic entity. It is suggested that the nation's reliance on English…

Defines diplomacy as the art of language, of avoiding misunderstanding on a global scale. Emphasizes that Australia's cultural vitality is the product of English and other indigenous languages of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander citizens, as well as European and Asian languages, and that the country's economic vitality depends on knowing…

Discusses the annoyances and minor aches accompanying the tedious work of marking students' schoolwork and the application of the computer to providing students with good feedback. Notes that using the computer to mark students' papers is more enjoyable and less time consuming, provides the teacher with an easily accessible record of each…

Compares the author's preservice work in second language learning 30 years ago to that undertaken by her students now. Notes that the goal of this education is to inspire in each student a love and respect for language teaching. Reflects on the adaptation of traditional approaches to language teacher education to the needs of preservice students…

Discusses language data from the Australian 1991 Census that indicates the vast resources available in languages other than English. Notes that two of the tenets of Australia's various language policies are language maintenance and the development of Aboriginal and community languages as well as the provision of opportunities for learning…

Focuses on the difficulties involved in keeping abreast of changes in Australian language policy and in attempting to guess the next trend in language teacher education. The number of publications indicates strong government support for the concept of language education, a support backed by millions of dollars allocated for this area. There is a…

Discusses measures language teachers can use to maintain and develop their communicative language ability. Introduces strategies teachers can adopt and mentions ways in which educational systems and universities can assist teachers. The model presented is relevant to teachers of any language. (13 references) (Author/CK)

This paper acknowledges the efforts of classroom teachers in preparing the next generation of language teachers; compares the roles of classroom and university teachers sharing the task of assisting a beginning teacher; and encourages teachers involved in teacher education to continue their involvement and invite others to join them. (three…

Presents accumulated insights for benefit of colleagues considering embarking on software development projects. Original purpose of project was to produce a set of grammar revision and extension modules allowing teachers to use computers as a means of ensuring that once a language point had been dealt with in class, students could be required to…

States that the difficult Asian languages such as modern standard Chinese, Japanese and Korean, should not be taught in primary or lower secondary schools to non-background speakers of those languages, that is, those whose mother tongue is related to the language being learned. Maintains that time should be spent in primary and secondary schools…

Explores the impact of a change in status in language programs and the culture of second language learning in Australian schools, particularly in light of declared goals such as a language other than English for all and the integration of language teaching and learning with Australia's external political and economic priorities. (32 references)…

Argues that universities in Australia have done little to assist in the preservation of Aboriginal languages. The article maintains that provision by the government of adequate financial support to universities would enable them to make a significant contribution to the cause of saving endangered languages from extinction. (Author/CK) (17…