ERIC Number: ED139275
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1975-Nov-29
Pages: 21
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Futurism, Finances and Foreign Languages: A Question of Survival.
Grittner, Frank M.
One of the most pressing problems in foreign language education concerns the financing of foreign language instruction and foreign language associations. Alternatives that the profession may have to consider in this regard are discussed, and some possible courses of action are suggested. The chances of future survival of discipline-oriented associations such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in the face of competition from unions is considered in the light of a futurist approach. The purpose of the futurist movement in education is to find a new basis for organizing the instructional process. The pedagogical applications of the futurist movement to foreign language education are discussed, including Toffler's system of skills involving three primary areas: (1) learning how to learn, (2) relating to other people, and (3) making intelligent value judgements. Professional organizations such as ACTFL are needed to identify and implement educational alternatives. Central activities include exchanging ideas about classroom practice, publishing theoretical articles, and applying theories through workshops and conferences. It is also important to have a single professional voice to speak out for the entire membership at the national level. The current status of ACTFL and its importance in making the foreign language instructional program attractive are also reviewed. (CLK)
Descriptors: Curriculum, Educational Finance, Educational Objectives, Futures (of Society), Higher Education, Language Enrollment, Language Instruction, Language Teachers, Professional Associations, Relevance (Education), Second Language Learning, Second Languages, Student Attitudes, Teacher Associations, Teaching Methods, Values
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Presidential address at the Annual Meeting of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (9th, Washington, D.C., November l975)