Examines the benefits of dual-language (two-way) bilingual education programs. Discusses critical components in the development of such programs: defining the optimal program model, gradual phase-in of the program, importance of a balanced population of minority and majority language speakers, materials, teacher training, administrative support,…

Describes immersion programs in the United States and Canada and reviews results of evaluative research pertaining to them. Discusses findings with respect to students' native-language development, academic achievement, and second language proficiency. Also discusses the suitability of immersion for students with distinctive, potentially…

Outlines the findings from a series of interviews examining Mexican attitudes toward learning and teaching English conducted in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1986. Includes five tables. (MD)

Describes two options for intensive foreign language study available at Earlham College: intensive study on campus or intensive study on campus leading to an off campus immersion in the language and culture. Gives suggestions for programs of this type. (EKN)

Describes three systems for teaching foreign children German along with their native language. Concludes that teaching various subjects in the foreign language aids in learning the language. Discusses the use of films, cassettes, etc. in a bilingual teaching approach to natural sciences, mathematics, and other subjects. (IFS/WGA)

Examines several key issues that parents must know about their children learning a second language, including the benefits of knowing a second language; the benefits of learning second languages in elementary school; how languages are taught to children; whether second languages will interfere with English ability; how parents can help; and how…

Answers 20 frequently asked questions regarding implementation of elementary school foreign language immersion programs, including consideration of program goals, staffing, total versus partial immersion, student participation, effects on other programs and learning, and parent involvement. (CB)

Proposes a model of immersion strategy based on an emphasis on communication and on the use of a great variety of teaching techniques. (AM)

Describes the instructional strategies used by teachers in two-way bilingual immersion programs. Also describes benefits of the programs. Sidebars include guidelines to implement an effective two-way bilingual immersion program and a discussion of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs. (LMI)

In the rush to activate French immersion programs in Canada, the training of immersion teachers has been overlooked. To insure the programs' continued success, a course designed to better prepare primary immersion teachers is outlined, and general implications for the training of these teachers is discussed. (Author/DJD)

Reviews educational research on bilingual education and describes biases present in recent evaluations of bilingual programs. Contrary to assumptions about bilingual programs, recent findings suggest that native-language programs may be very effective. They support a strong foundation in the native language and set the basis for subsequent…

Discusses the development of a communicative language testing unit for grade nine French immersion students. The interlocking of teaching and testing is suggested, by preparing a potential testing unit for every communicative, theme-oriented curriculum teaching unit, thus aiming toward goals compatible with both teacher and student. (SL)

Describes schedules and activities of the summer and weekend foreign language immersion programs at the State University of New York College at New Paltz. Gives some highlights of last summer's program. (EKN)

A model is presented for postsecondary French language education based on the belief that linguistic improvement and cultural rappprochement are complementary goals. Data on secondary French immersion enrollment trends are noted, and planning difficulties due to small enrollments and insufficient information about career goals are discussed. (MSE)

Essential components in second-language teaching include motivating students, teaching in the target language, using a language-management system, accepting interlanguage in the early stages, emphasizing vocabulary, teaching function and grammar, consulting Canada's National Core French Study to understand and deliver the latest programs, and…