Has the War Proved That Our Methods of Teaching Modern Languages in the Colleges Are Wrong?: A Symposium (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

E. C. Hills

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0656375205 ISBN 13: 9780656375202

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2022

Synopsis

Has the War Proved That Our Methods of Teaching Modern Languages in the Colleges Are Wrong?

A lively collection of expert voices examines why college language classes often fail to produce fluent speaking ability and what might be done about it. This edition gathers letters, anecdotes, and practical ideas from university teachers and administrators, offering a clear snapshot of a long-running debate.

The excerpts present a range of viewpoints from presidents, professors, and researchers. They discuss class size, teaching methods, the role of practice in conversation, and the balance between reading, writing, and speaking. Readers will encounter both criticisms of current methods and concrete proposals for reform, from smaller classes to dedicated speaking laboratories and cross-cultural immersion.

• See real-world arguments about class size, time allocations, and the value of oral drill.
• Explore what different educators believe helps students actually speak a foreign language.
• Learn about proposed changes to curricula, travel, and the integration of speaking-focused experiences.
• Hear nuanced perspectives on reading versus speaking, and on the role of environment and incentives.

Ideal for readers of education history, language teaching, and university policy, this volume illuminates the practical challenges and strategic options in modern language education.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0656375205
• ISBN 13: 9780656375202
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 24