The data presented in this paper indicates that the present Spanish language program at Mesa College serves only one quarter of the student body and probably even a smaller fraction of the community. This situation exists because the recommended curriculums for 52 of Mesa College's 66 lower-division majors, largely nongeneral liberal arts and one-…

The use of the Language Background Questionnaire is analyzed, and the following criticisms are offered: (1) the varying nature and range of questions used, (2) the inclusion of indirect language background questions, and (3) previous methods of categorization of individuals into groups using language background scores. (SL)

The "waystage" objective for adult modern language learning in the European unit/credit system is described. Waystage is an intermediary objective below "threshold level," the latter stage being the minimum proficiency level likely to be required to function adequately in temporary contacts with foreign language speakers in…

School subjects do not hold an equally secure position in any educational system. Some subjects are required of all children, some are required of only some children, and some are not required at all. It is the task of this paper to show how people talk about subjects with respect to their place in the school curriculum. The social valuing of…

In Part 1, Ann A. Beusch reports on the integration of intergroup education into the total curriculum of Maryland's school system. Attention is drawn to the contributions made by language teachers concerned with the needs of the various ethnic groups in the state, with primary emphasis given to issues of cross-cultural communication and awareness.…

The minicourse in foreign language teaching is an outgrowth of the diversified curriculum that is based on the personal-benefit theory. The importance of the individual and the need for a differentiated program designed to foster individual interests and maximize individual potential is stressed in this theory. The rapid growth of alternative…

Questionnaire responses of college and university foreign language department chairpersons (N=766) revealed that 15 percent of these programs continued to offer language instruction on an individualized track, while 25 percent expressed interest in developing new individualized instruction programs. Responses regarding language offerings,…

A project was undertaken for the promotion of unit/credit systems for language learning by adults. Project aims were to: (1) show that anaylsis or identification of language needs ought to be an intergral part of the unit/credit language learning processes; (2) show that all parts of the system are interdependent, including analysis of resources…

This book is designed to assist those who work with non-English dominant students by providing resource information relevant to second language teaching and learning. The articles in the series encompass both theory and practical learning techniques in six general topics. The articles in the first text of the series, concerning background and…

The notion of a functional syllabus has received widespread attention in recent years, so much so that in many cases it is being used where it is not suitable. One question is to what extent the functional syllabus may provide a framework for learning language structure, as it is difficult to impose any kind of structural organization on a…

Presents results of a questionnaire, completed by elementary and secondary principals and teachers, concerning foreign language instruction, including information on background demographics, amount of instruction, offerings, curriculum, teacher qualifications and training, and major instructional problems in both public and private schools.…

This is the final report describing a supervised program of self-instruction in critical languages at the undergraduate level. The project was begun at a single college in 1963, was expanded to a statewide basis in 1966, and was again enlarged to run on a national basis in 1969. In 1971-72, over 1,000 students were enrolled in these programs at…

The Minneapolis Public Schools High Potential Program for gifted elementary children in grades four through six began December 2, 1974. Twenty-one schools and approximately 353 students participated. Programs in math, science, social studies-modern language, and creative writing were offered. The purpose of the program was to offer a challenging,…

Examines how structural change in the international system during the past 150 years affected the rise and decline of language courses in the curriculum. Data analysis showed rapid decline of classical languages and increased study of national languages and modern foreign languages. Maintains that the rearrangement of hegemonic powers has a strong…

A survey is presented of modern language teaching in Great Britain since the establishment of their Modern Language Association in 1893, with particular emphasis on developments during the past 20 years. The following topics are addressed: the influence of linguistic research on methodology, the situation in higher education and the schools,…