An Overview of Innovative Programs in FL Teaching

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages has conducted a national survey of innovative elementary and secondary school foreign language programs. Detailed descriptions of 35 of these programs and less detailed descriptions of 15 others will be published in a sourcebook for teachers and administrators. Approximately 200 programs have been identified to date through correspondence with state foreign language supervisors, teachers, and others in the profession, as well as a search of the professional literature and information contained in the ERIC system. Although no "professional trend" can be identified, a major and common reorientation in purpose does seem to underlie most of the innovative programs, and, perhaps, this will prove to be the most significant innovation of all. Different types of innovation include: (1) individualization; (2) mini-courses; (3) vocational courses; (4) interdisciplinary courses; (5) correspondence study; (6) work/study travel; (7) language camps; (8) ethnic studies; (9) encounter techniques; (10) magnet programs which offer a highly developed language program for students from the entire district, and paraprofessionals who are trained teacher assistants; and (11) computer assisted instruction. Other innovations, especially those in scheduling, articulation, and grouping, have not been included because of insufficient information.