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…

Describes the use of community broadcasting in language learning with specific reference to an experience in a French program at tertiary level. Notes that the principles and procedures discussed are equally applicable to the teaching and learning of languages at earlier phases of schooling. (eight references) (Author/CK)

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 a course of Japanese language study as a second language in Japan. Focuses on the cultural environment in the country and the friendliness of the people there. (Author/CK)

Reports student achievement using the "Australian Language Levels Guidelines." Presents semester report forms for German at all Year levels and weights the three "domains" of language use: interpersonal, informational and aesthetic. (Author/CK)

Documents the strong connection existing between language and industry, in terms of both language and cultural proficiency. Outlines the corollaries of this connection for language learning and applied linguistics and traces the developments in perceptions of the importance of language education. (37 references) (Author/CK)

Presents a background to the main issues concerning Asian language learning at a distance at tertiary level and in industry in Australia. Also reports on the development of the course, "Communicate in Japanese: A Self-Study Course," at the Institute of Languages. Describes the benefits of distance education learning as a means of…

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…

Describes the potential of computer technology for language teaching and learning and emphasizes that language educators cannot afford to ignore what technology increasingly has to offer. (Author/CK)

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 Australian state and federal initiatives to place languages other than English within the primary schools' core curriculum. Presents a model structure for appropriate investigative action. Research findings reveal the need for a clearly articulated philosophy for a language program that would promote cultural awareness, global…

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…

Presents general comments outlining the major features of the needs of teachers and assistants from overseas and discusses in-school needs and roles of such teachers and assistants separately. These comments touch on salary, social networks, family support, accommodation, general induction, the position of the native-speaking teacher, important…