Immersed in Mandarin Nov 17, 2009
ISTP students spend much of their day in the target language but learn math and science in English. "We want our students to leave ISTP with at least two or three languages," Head of School Philippe Dietz said. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
* FEATURE : Taiwanese teachers face test of characters abroad Nov 14, 2009
In contrast to the text-based YCT, test-takers X aged between 7 and 12 X are given a large number of pictures in the CCCC to keep them interested in the target language, Ho said. If they lose interest at the very beginning they will not want to learn Mandarin anymore, Ho said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
COLUMN: A case for foreign-language programming in our elementary schools Oct 29, 2009
The more developmentally appropriate choice is to teach a kindergartener how to greet and present oneself, to identify colors, numbers and calendar components in the target language at the very same time that these curricular components are being presented and reviewed in the child s native language. As students pass from grade to grade, they learn skills that make higher level learning more possible so that they can build on their prior knowledge and, ultimately, attain a higher level of... (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Fun, weird sayings Sep 9, 2009
In this multiple language matchmaking exercise on idiomatic expressions, I shall attempt a literal translation of each (which may contribute to the hilarity intended), and locate a close English cousin, bearing in mind that twins or equivalents in the target language are difficult to find. (In all humility, Im willing to be corrected by those more conversant in the said language in each case. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Curriculum needs popular topic at C.F. school forum Aug 29, 2009
CJB wrote on Aug 28, 2009 6:12 PM:" My three children have gone or are going through the Cedar Falls schools. If I were in charge of curriculum, these changes would be made:1. Foreign languages would be taught starting in kindergarten or first grade. The brain before puberty is far more suited to learning another language - this is well documented. It's nearly impossible to speak a target language without an accent if one learns after puberty. The ideal would be magnet schools, with at least... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Education letters 8/03 Aug 3, 2009
They put in the time and practice necessary to actually get a valid grasp of the target language and this begins by following the same elementary steps a native language learner takes in the early stages of language acquisition, something that is never done in high school and college language classes. And incidentally, it doesn t matter if it is French or German or any other language for that matter. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
STUDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS AT LANGUAGE FESTIVAL Apr 5, 2009
In this activity, the students earned a point for every conversation they initiated in the target language. Dermott High School obtained the Festival Award for earning the most points. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Readers share their tips on language learning Feb 22, 2009
-- "Find a local restaurant where the target language is spoken by native-speakers.". -- "The public library has lots of language learning resources, books, audios, etc.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Learn how not to trip over foreign tongues Feb 16, 2009
Unless you're a hermit or get severe test anxiety, face-to-face learning - hearing and reading the language, coupled with instant feedback and repetition - is the best way to get it, use it and retain it, especially immersion-style lessons (speaking only the target language). Options range from courses at a community college to private tutoring to lessons at a Berlitz Language Center. (San Francisco Chronicle)
