French-as-a-second-language (FSL) teacher candidates' French proficiency and confidence are key indicators of recruitment and retention of FSL teachers. This paper outlines a pilot project, the Conversation Club, that was used to address linguistic insecurity and proficiency in FSL teacher candidates at one university. The Conversation Club was a…

This article capitalizes on the notion of linguistic risk-taking by focusing on a new pedagogical initiative at the University of Ottawa, an institution where courses, programs, and services in both English and French are available. In this bilingual context, we define linguistic risks as authentic communicative acts in learners' second official…

This article describes how cellphone technology, specifically cellphilms -- films of varying lengths made with cellphones by everyday people -- are being taken up in the community of Union Hidalgo as a platform to foster an intergenerational dialogue between youth and Elders, with the specific goal of preserving the Zapotec language and ancestral…

A further development of the preceding article outlining the general objectives of the program, the learning activity approach used, and the division of time. A brief description is given of the five kinds of learning activities in the program. The source for further information is given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Acknowledging that students learning a second language need opportunities for extended spoken and written interactions with native speakers, this paper describes instructional computer networking that links grade 12 Anglophone students of French in Toronto with native French-speaking peers in Montreal. Focus is on writing skills. (25 references)…

Examines the integration of grammar into second-language instruction, specifically in core French courses in Canada. A brief overview of studies on this topic in different settings is followed by an attempt to demonstrate how the limited results of available studies can offer a starting point for finding solutions to the problems of integrating…

Outlines a variety of suggestions for classroom activities for second language instruction and immersion. Most activities focus on the use of illustrations or illustrated materials. The descriptions of the activities are in French. (MSE)

The general language education syllabus, proposed as one of four syllabi resulting from Canada's National Core French Study, is described, with suggestions for content and general objectives. A four-stage teaching approach, teacher planning process, possibilities for facilitation integration with the other syllabi, and the role of this syllabus…

The task force report on the culture syllabus, one of four syllabi in the recommended new Canadian core French curriculum, reviews literature and present practice, outlines syllabus objectives, lists content, and suggests a scope and sequence and methodology. Notes on integration with other syllabi, teacher training, and evaluation are included.…

Canada's recommended new core French syllabus focuses on formal aspects of language while always taking into account the message and the communicative setting. Content is based on existing curricula and language sciences. Three components are included: setting, discourse, and grammar, with emphasis on the form/function relationship and correct…

The contributions of the teacher education and professional development task force to the implementation of Canada's proposed multidimensional core French curriculum are discussed. The professional development kits produced by the group are critiqued, highlighting the best features and examining solutions to problems found in the materials. (22…

The communicative/experiential syllabus explores new ways to teach and learn language, addressing concerns that language instruction focuses narrowly on the analytical aspect of language learning. In the syllabus, the classroom is considered a rich and authentic environment for experiences based on content, not just language, contributing to…

The design and broad implications of the suggested Canadian multidimensional core French curriculum are outlined. The curriculum consists of four syllabi (language, communicative/experiential learning, culture, and general language education), and its key to success is the integration of the various syllabi contents. (Author/MSE)

The National Core French Study, a four-year curriculum project sponsored by the Canadian Association of Language Teachers and government-funded, resulted in the recommendation of a multidimensional curriculum model based on a communicative/experiential approach. The model and its implications for professional development, program design, and…

Intended as a practical reference for teachers and curriculum developers, the guide reviews options in student evaluation and considers the relevance of these for monitoring student learning in the context of a multidimensional curriculum for core French programs. Three categories of evaluation methods are examined: language tests; observation and…