Oral reading presentations in a foreign language motivate students and encourage mastery learning. Details include a point-count system for evaluating reading; ways to get nonparticipants involved and learning; and suggestions for engaging the attention and assistance of the rest of the school, the administration, and the community. (Author/SW)

An intensive French course, offered as an experimental summer course at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, was a learning experience in which students were intrinsically motivated. Assumptions of Frank M. Grittner concerning motivating students in language programs are discussed. (SW)

An annual Foreign Language Day has been found to be an excellent means to stimulate interest in foreign languages, self-expression, and creativity. Suggestions for the design of such a day are based on experience at St. Bonaventure University since 1974. (Author/SW)

Analysis of language research and observation of two language classes suggest that, when teachers devote efforts to promoting students' encounters with and use of natural language, students will have the opportunity not only to learn about language, but also to arrive at proficiency in its use. (CB)

Part of an address delivered at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) on November 27, 1970, in Los Angeles, California. (DS)

In a survey, undergraduate students of Spanish and Portuguese were asked to describe their professional goals and the function of language ability in these goals. Results show that cultural and humanistic goals of language study continue to be valued by undergraduates. The survey is described and implications discussed. (CHK)

This pilot study shows that the use of Internet resources is a meaningful way to integrate language and culture and to provide opportunities for students to learn about the target culture while using e-mail to discuss cultural aspects with native speakers. Results of the study showed that e-mail increased students' interest and motivation.…

Reviews research demonstrating that reading texts with a particular perspective facilitates comprehension and increases reader interest. Suggests approaches to the teaching of texts that provide learners with purpose, including student-generated text collections, communicative tasks with reading components and interest tasks. (31 references)…

A foreign language festival in which the activities are organized around the theme of the bullfight is suggested as a means of attracting and motivating students. General guidelines for planning such an event are given. (Author/RM)

Associative speaking as a method of making oral communication the central activity in foreign language classes as early as the second semester is described. (Author/RM)

The popular image of foreign language study as primarily for academically talented college-bound students is explored, and related historical documentation examined. It is suggested that contemporary versions of the theory on which this myth is based can support open-door rather than elitist policy toward foreign language study and reinforce…

This article recommends the use of individual student projects in community college foreign language classes to capture attention and foster communication. The technique is described, concrete examples provided and suggestions given for adaptation to secondary school or university classes. (CHK)

Identifies characteristics of an effective language teacher (ELT) as perceived by both language teachers and students in the Israeli educational system. Various characteristics of an ELT were identified, such as the teacher's command of the target language; his or her ability to organize, explain, and clarify; and his or her ability to arouse and…

Foreign language teachers need a reservoir of techniques designed to dispel misconceptions students may have about poetry and to lead them step-by-step into its study. This article presents learning experiences of such a nature and illustrations for teachers to help them devise activities. (Author/SW)