| Title: |
Foreign Languages at New Jersey Two-Year Colleges. |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Willard, George R.; Princeton Univ., NJ. Mid-Career Fellowship Program. |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
18 |
| Publication Date: |
1997 |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: |
Black Students; Community Colleges; Declining Enrollment; Distance Education; Enrollment Trends; Hispanic Americans; Interactive Television; Language Enrollment; Population Trends; Program Improvement; Second Language Programs; Spanish Speaking; Student Needs; Two Year Colleges |
| Geographic Terms: |
New Jersey |
| Abstract: |
A study was undertaken to gather data on declines in foreign language enrollment at Union County College (UCC) and other New Jersey two-year colleges and to identify means by which foreign language offerings might be enhanced. Surveys were sent to the 18 New Jersey two-year colleges besides UCC, requesting information on enrollments between 1994 and 1997 in foreign language classes, curricula at the colleges that required a foreign language, alternative delivery methods, and any innovative ideas for attracting students. Completed questionnaires were received from seven of the colleges. In addition, UCC Institutional Research and state enrollment reports were reviewed to determine trends. The study found that the decrease in foreign language enrollment at UCC could be attributable to decreases in county population, especially in the college-age group; increases in Hispanic and Blacks with low levels of academic preparedness; and increasing numbers of transfer students who do not take foreign languages before transferring. Recommendations developed from the study for improving language offerings at UCC included the following: (1) make use of interactive television to provide distance language courses; (2) create more courses that meet the needs of Spanish-speaking students, such as Latin American Literature in Spanish; and (3) encourage more community outreach programs in foreign languages, such as study abroad. The survey instrument is appended. (BCY) |
| Entry Date: |
1997 |
| Accession Number: |
ED409950 |
| Database: |
ERIC |