Foreign Language Teacher Education: Current Practices and an Assessment of Needs

Described is current practice in foreign-lang teacher education programs - middle-school through post-secondary levels - with recommendations for change that might be facilitated through the development of a national foreign lang pedagogical research agenda. Discussion of teacher education practices centers around the following concerns: (1) policies regarding the admission & retention of students; (2) the content of teacher education programs, including core courses in the subject-matter specialization or major, professional education courses, & instruction in methodology; (3) preservice teaching experiences; (4) certification standards; & (5) in-service opportunities & maintenance of professional skills. The qualifications of teacher-training personnel, for both secondary & post-secondary settings, are also discussed. Recommendations for the development of a national agenda are grouped into three categories: (A) research & development activities, (B) in-service development opportunities, & (C) opportunities for leadership training. Such an agenda should aid the profession in its efforts to bring about needed change in the education & development of the nation's foreign-lang teachers. HA