Dissemination and Diffusion of Progress in the Foreign Language Teaching Field: A National Plan

Abstract

Excellent teaching methods, improved technologies for teaching and testing, and appropriate materials must reach the widest audience once they are developed by language pedagogy specialists. This article reviews the existing dissemination system and proposes a national plan to assure efficient and effective diffusion of tested innovations in the field to the practitioners at various instructional levels. This plan includes the development of an annual research yearbook and videotape, a National Foreign Language Video Conference Day, a National Board of Consultants, a board qualification certificate for foreign language faculty, a television series of great presentations, a set of surveys, and a national foreign language newsletter along with a major national publicity campaign. Wide dissemination of good ideas is as critical as developing improved practices.