Combines studies in cognitive psychology and language acquisition with observations of pedagogical materials and student performance to analyze foreign-language teaching from the perspective of what students and teachers need to understand about language learning and language before meaningful debate over methodology can be undertaken. (Author/MES)

Describes a French course for English-speaking students of journalism and mass communications based on a global approach to language teaching. The course aims to develop communicative competence as well as a critical attitude toward the media product. This approach stresses the functioning of language in a given context. (Author/MES)

Addresses problems that arise in applying functional/notional syllabus design to general-purpose academic courses. Proposes steps that attempt to solve three major problems: (1) how to link functional and linguistic categories; (2) on what basis to select and sequence materials; and (3) how to develop functional ability in all four skills.…

Examines directions suggested by studies in communicative competence, cognitive mapping of learning styles, and classroom interaction, seeking integration with a basically audiolingual approach to second language instruction. Suggests alternate ways of conducting classes to help teachers meet students' individual learning needs while still using…

States that a major source of frustration for the second language teacher is the difficulty of bridging the gap between the formal aspects of language and the exploitation of the language in authentic situations. Suggests steps that can be taken to overcome the problem and to meet students' expectations. (MES)

A student, who also appears to be a language teacher, reviews the highlights of a Spanish course, describes her teacher's approach, recalls classroom episodes, assesses her own and other students' reactions, the ebb and flow of motivation... all in the form of a letter to her former teacher. (MES)

Describes status of and need for bilingual education in the United States. Different educational options must be made available to enable students to participate in English instructional programs and American society. (BK)

Five directions foreign language departments should explore in the 1980s in order to revitalize their programs include uniting foreign language and international studies, cross-cultural studies, teaching process of communication, career preparation, and language for humanistic studies. (BK)

Proposes theory that the learning processes of first- and second-language learners are fundamentally the same, differing only in kinds of information used by both kinds of learners and the degree of automatization attained. Suggests designing second-language learning processes to simulate those occurring in natural settings. (Author/BK)

Presents model using elements of status, social group or speech community, and values for treating literacy as a sociolinguistic phenomenon and in support of bilingual education. Uses Navajo and medieval Jewish languages as examples. (BK)

Describes research on core, extended, and immersion French as a second language programs in Canada over the past decade. Results show older learners tend to be more efficient learners in some aspects of second language learning, but there may be some advantages to starting earlier in an intensive program. (BK)

Presents case supporting the view that the systematic, deliberate and well-planned training of second language teachers can be expected to raise achievement of second language learners. (BK)

Emphasizes the need for language teachers to work together to create standards for their profession, which is an "amateur profession" today. (AM)

Reviews major findings on the relationship of attitudes and motives to second language learning, proposes a framework within which other psychological variables may be considered, and urges the consideration of nonverbal variables involved in cross-cultural communication. (Author/AM)

Reviews the history of language legislation in Quebec, specifically regarding the relationship between French and English. It is suggested that English be taught as a "foreign" rather than a "second" language in Quebec. (AM)