Perceptions of Second Language Students Regarding Their Study of Spanish

This study investigated the attitudes of 15 urban high school students, enrolled in several different levels of Spanish second language instruction, concerning language study and instruction. Results suggest that students see language instruction as primarily grammar-oriented, but would prefer more oral practice and application. They see themselves as traveling eventually in Spanish-speaking countries. In addition, they appear to bring curiosity about other cultures to the language classroom but are not satisfied with the cultural content they receive. Implications of these findings for use of a model of multicultural exploration are examined, and further research on student perceptions of language teaching is recommended so that unmet student needs and effective practices can be accommodated. Contains 21 references. (MSE)