THE MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT PROBLEM IN PLANNED LANGUAGE MODERNIZATION PROGRAMS1

Implementation o. a language modernization process such as one occurring in the Pacific basin is as important as the policy development behind it. Three critical factors in implementation are teacher training, the development of good teaching materials, and a plan for evaluating program effectiveness. Attempts to meet the need for good language-based teaching materials illustrate the difficulties and possible solutions in a language modernization situation. Literacy materials begin to address the problem, but are often developed for adults and are not suitable for school instruction. Vernacular literacy materials have been developed in some cases, but no complete program of study is now available. Researchers have developed guidelines for literacy material design based on recent experience with literacy curriculum: When producing content area materials, authors must first use creative processes rather than consulting existing materials to avoid duplication. In addition, care must be taken to integrate effective but possibly alien instructional strategies with vernacular material, a process in which the skills of language planners and linguists are needed. (MSE) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document