ABSTRACT
Although carefully controlled and measured programs in language acquisition approaches are few, their numbers are growing. The results of such studies are adding stronger and stronger support for a shift away from language “learning” to language “acquisition.” The only requirement for most of the courses has been regular attendance. Students are told they will be asked to withdraw or receive an F after five unexcused absences. No such circumstance has arisen. During the first course, one student missed one class. The other eleven students had perfect attendance records. At the end of many of these courses standardized tests have been administered. But clearly, the most meaningful evaluation of the effectiveness and the success of the course has been established in other ways. The students themselves gave eloquent testimony to their learning satisfaction. The majority of students wrote that “Experiencing German” had been the most enjoyable and valuable course they had ever had.
