Proposal for a Graduate Minor in Foreign Language Teaching

Abstract

1. Why a Minor in Foreign Language Teaching? 1.1 As colleges and universities become increasingly concerned about the quality of teaching on all levels, and as psychological, technological, and methodological advances blaze new dimensions in teaching, it is not only desirable but indeed mandatory that leading universities with the appropriate faculty resources incorporate an elective teaching minor in the graduate program of foreign languages. 1.2 The person most wanted today by FL departments all over the country is the one who is thoroughly dedicated to and well-qualified for the direction, supervision, and administration of beginning and intermediate language work. Larger departments need at least two or three such staff members capable and willing to assume these responsibilities which are only second to those of the department chairman (60-75% of FL enrollments are on the firstand second-year levels in most institutions). 1.3 The staff needs in the teaching and administrative areas in a FL department include the following: Directors of Beginning and Intermediate Work T.A. Advisor (Supervisor) Methods Specialist Language Lab Coordinator AV and Technical Media Specialist Test Measurement and Placement Specialist Counselor and Guidance Specialist Statistical Analyst Administrative Assistant Chairman