Primary school languages education continues to be a challenging issue for all states in Australia. In Victoria, LOTE study is provided at the primary level to address the needs of linguistically diverse communities, as well as to provide an enriching learning experience for monolingual speakers of English. The challenge remains to ensure that…

Overviews different kinds of language immersion programs and issues involved in their successful implementation. The Australian experience with such programs is highlighted, focusing on particular problems posed by resistance to language studies, perceived elitism, teacher shortages, immersion teacher training, student selection, immersion…

Overviews developments shaping the current environment of language teaching and learning in Australia, with particular attention to developments in New South Wales, covering such issues as educational organization and structure; the rise in global lifestyles and cultural nationalism; multiculturalism; and the roles of schools, communities, outside…

Examines foreign language teaching methodologies developed in various parts of the United Kingdom, and then looks at implications for Australian classrooms. The establishment of a framework for adult language learning is stressed, based upon the language needs of the learner and the linguistic operations required in order to function effectively…

States that the major challenge for language educators and educational policymakers is how to implement a national language policy in Australia. Suggests avoiding past mistakes, such as the adoption of a major educational innovation without the concurrent development of the training of personnel, the development of necessary curricular resources…

Provisions for multicultural education in Australia include expanded ESL and foreign language offerings, various bilingual and bicultural curriculum projects for ethnic schools, and revamping of social studies programs to educate all students and teachers about Australia's ethnic minorities. While such programs should enhance mutual respect and…

Discusses the introduction of languages other than English (LOTE) into primary schools in Australia, focusing on curriculum planning, classroom methodology, and student transition from primary to secondary language programs. Emphasizes the need to break down the barriers between primary and secondary second language instruction. (15 references)…

Until 1947, Australia was considered one of the most monolingual countries in the world. However, now there are more than a million bilingual Australians who regularly use a language other than English when talking with friends and families, or on religious or social occasions. (SL)