The advantages of a defined syllabus in second language teaching, especially in relation to public examinations, are discussed. The origin and development of the York defined syllabuses are described, and extracts are given from the introductory document and the French and Russian syllabuses. (RM)

A study investigated the statistical techniques used by applied linguists and reported in three journals, "Language Learning,""Applied Linguistics," and "TESOL Quarterly," between 1980 and 1986. It was found that 47% of the published articles used statistical procedures. In these articles, 63% of the techniques used could be called basic, 28%…

Materials to be used in workshops to teach language teacher trainees the communicative approach to language testing are presented. The materials were developed from a 1985 Council of Europe workshop held in York, England. They include preliminary notes for workshop organizers, an introductory "ice-breaker" activity, and six content…

As an instructional practice in second and foreign language education, content-based instruction is not a fully revolutionary paradigm, but a spin-off approach which derives from the evolution of Communicative Language Teaching. Sharing with CLT the same fundamental principles, CBI bases its idiosyncrasy on promoting the use of subject matter for…

The decline in foreign language study in New South Wales is described, and suggestions are made for change in course content and organization to make foreign language study interesting and helpful to a larger number of students. (RM)

This curriculum guide is designed for use in a course based on the English translation of Book 1 of Vergil's "Aeneid." The life of the author is briefly surveyed along with the Augustine Age of Latin literature. A study of the dactylic hexameter and poetic devices used by Vergil is emphasized. The guide includes a statement of the broad…

The third part of a five-part Spanish course serves as a curriculum guide to accompany the basic text, "ALM Spanish," Units 21 and 22. The overall goals of the course are to teach students to understand, speak, read, and write at a normal speed any arrangement of lexical and structural material learned. The guide focuses on six areas of…

This is a guide to a realization and appreciation of the German culture, gained through the use of oral and written German. Four areas of language instruction are emphasized: (1) listening, (2) speaking, (3) reading, and (4) writing. The guide is divided into five sections: (1) broad goals and performance objectives, which include a breakdown of…

This curriculum guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the text, "Artes Latinae," units 11-17. The course focuses on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as on cultural background material. Attention is also paid to developing a positive student attitude toward language learning. The student moves at his…

The fourth part of a 5-part Spanish course serves as a curriculum guide to accompany the basic text, "ALM Spanish," units 16 and 17. Emphasis on guided discussion and free conversation is maintained throughout the course. The guide focuses on six areas of language instruction: (1) listening, (2) speaking, (3) reading, (4) writing, (5)…

The second part of a 5-part course in Spanish serves as a curriculum guide to accompany the basic text, "ALM Spanish," units 12 and 13. The guide focuses on six areas of language instruction: (1) listening, (2) speaking, (3) reading, (4) writing, (5) culture knowledge, and (6) student analysis of attitudes toward language learning. The…

Encourages the use of personalized questions in second-year foreign language courses. The students' interest will thus be maintained since they will be able to relate the language to their own knowledge and experiences. This will aid in vocabulary development, increase cultural awareness, and prepare the way for readings. (TL)

An exploratory language program offered in Stratford, Connecticut, is described. The course introduces all seventh grade students to the nature of language in general and to as many specific languages as possible, preparatory to beginning the formal study of a foreign language in eighth grade. (Author/RM)

Problems in the educational system involving poor verbal and mathematics skills of students are discussed. The "back to basics" movement is advocated. The Russian instructional program at the University of Virginia is described. (SW)

Discusses the reasons that students need foreign civilization courses, and briefly outlines what should be taught and what the teaching methods should be. (CLK)