The history of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) in the United States reveals six reasons, not commonly acknowledged, for declining enrollment in the 1950s and 1960s. A checklist for self-evaluation of new and existing programs based on those reasons is presented. (53 references) (Author/MSE)

A discussion of Australia's language teaching situation focuses on the design of curricula in languages other than English (LOTE) and its possible role in the decline in LOTE enrollment in recent years, and addresses the LOTE profession's efforts to change that situation. First, Australian society's demographic composition is outlined, and the…

Critiques the "Report of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies." It is indicated that the crux of the national problem was overlooked. A proposal is made that a six-year program of coordinated language instruction is possible and would accomplish the result desired by the Commission. (Author/AMH)

Looks at factors that contribute to the international status of a language, reviews the economic relations between the United States and German-speaking countries, and finds a confluence of factors that contributes to the reemerging utility of German-language skills for Americans. Discusses enrollment patterns in German-language courses and how…

Suggests that robust foreign language departments, such as Spanish, must support other languages or end up as the only language offered on campus other than English. (Author/VWL)

Makes a case for studying the truly foreign languages--the less commonly taught languages. Discusses the needs and ramifications of supervising the teaching of less commonly taught languages, covering the nature of the curriculum, the state of the field, and available resources. (Author/VWL)

The problems facing modern languages in comprehensive schools in Great Britain are discussed. Questions raised by the situations are: why do fewer pupils in the fourth form and even fewer sixth formers study a language? Why do even fewer choose to continue with their language studies when they progress into higher education? Phases in school…

Examines enrollment trends in high school and college Latin language and literature courses, as well as other indicators of interest in Latin. It is noted that the steady increase in enrollment since 1976 has resulted in a shortage of qualified Latin teachers. Measures are proposed for alleviating the teacher shortage problem. (SED)

Argues for an awareness on the part of employers and teachers of the important role language skills can play in industry. (AM)

Discusses heritage language students enrolled in Spanish as a foreign language courses. Students and teaching assistants answered questionnaires about course experiences and decisions. Results illustrate student perceptions about their level of expertise in Spanish, the advantages and disadvantages of having heritage fluency in a class of native…

Argues that despite the decline in enrollments in German at elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities, there is reason to hope that interest can be invigorated. Suggests that there are easy instructional methods and materials for developing a new motivation in learning the language. (Author/VWL)

A discussion of the status of German second language instruction, particularly at the postsecondary level, focuses on the role of standards, curriculum, and testing in increasing interest in and support for foreign language education. A substantial decline in German enrollments in the first half of the 1990s is noted, and possible reasons are…

The most common reason given by students for not continuing in foreign language courses is a poor teacher. Efforts, therefore, must be made to admit and retain only qualified language instructors. (CFM)

Discusses declining enrollments in German as a foreign language programs and what can be done to offset the erosion in small undergraduate programs. Twelve ways to attract students to German, ranging from placement strategy to technology, and fifteen ways to retain them, such as offering German social events and internships, are presented.…

Reviews factors in modern language programs' declining enrollments, pointing to attendant failures of Americans to communicate on the international level. Describes efforts to counter this trend through interdisciplinary, internationally oriented curricula with a strong foreign language component. (MES)