Speech delivered at the Fourth Annual TESOL Convention in San Francisco, California, March 18-21, 1970. (DS)

Presents preliminary attempt to gain insight into the self-perceptions of students and the teachers' observations regarding their students' abilities in English as a second language. Results show students and teachers do not view the students' language ability similarly. Suggests self-esteem may be a factor in motivating students. (Author/BK)

A study developed a scale of tolerance of ambiguity related to second language learning. Analysis of second- and third-year college Spanish students' responses to the scale indicated that their tolerance of ambiguity, strength of motivation, attitude, and concern for grade influenced their use of various second language learning strategies. (39…

Examines content-based instruction as a possible strategy for easing students' transition from beginning to advanced foreign language courses, as well as for developing students' interest in pursuing language study beyond required courses. Content-based instruction is reviewed, four common models are outlined and compared, and research findings on…

This study investigates the initial motivation of learners of Arabic as a foreign language (AFL). One hundred and twenty students enrolled in first-year and second-year AFL classes participated in this study. The participants were classified into two major groups of learners according to their heritage background: The first group consisted of…

Describes use of the 8mm motion picture as an innovational technique in revitalizing student interest in second language learning. (RL)

Describes a curriculum project at five Black colleges in which Afro-French and Afro-Hispanic cultural materials were infused into introductory French and Spanish courses. Results indicate that use of these cultural materials motivated students in their study of foreign languages and contributed to development of global perspectives. (Author/BK)

Describes four techniques for using a video camera to generate higher levels of student interest, involvement, and productivity in beginning foreign language courses. The techniques include spontaneous discussion of video images, enhancement of students' use of interrogative pronouns and phrases, grammar instruction, and student-produced skits.…

A study of factors affecting high school students' language study persistence indicated that students continuing foreign language study were motivated by practical, utilitarian reasons, while students discontinuing language study cited course difficulty and preferences for other courses as reasons for withdrawal. (Author/CB)

Describes "concoctions," a style of small group and pair activities that has proved highly successful in stimulating language interaction in a wide variety of instructional settings. Along with a theoretical discussion, numerous concoctions are included in the text and appendix. (JL)

Describes a study of high school students (n=107) who were learning Japanese through the medium of satellite television. The investigation focused on factors that influence student achievement in Japanese in the satellite setting. (Contains 32 references.) (VWL)

Interviews with "Shin Nisei," new second-generation Japanese, university students reveal how strongly motivation influences persistence in taking Japanese courses and the intensity with which these students use Japanese outside the classroom. The discussion stresses problems facing Shin Nisei students in traditional college foreign-language…

This action research study examines the perspectives and voices of students in a postsecondary Japanese class through an authentic project--a pen pal letter exchange. The project's effects on student motivation and learning are analyzed through the lens of the five goals of the national standards: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons,…