French immersion (FI) programs in Canada have historically served predominantly Canadian-born, English-speaking students and families in their endeavour to learn both of the country's official languages, French and English. However, FI programs are becoming increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse as a result of increased global…

The present article examines discourses on bilingualism in French immersion schools and connects local ideologies of bilingualism to a more global view of what it means to be bilingual in Canada. Bilingualism is usually regarded as two isolated monolingualisms (or monolingual systems) in which there is no place for code-switching, uneven language…

This article discusses the two main types of trilingualism, individual trilingualism and societal trilingualism, or multilingualism. Research directions in third language learning are also noted. (CLK)

Describes and assesses the general direction of French immersion research and establishes the need for more qualitative and theoretical approaches to research in this field. The areas of particular interest include (1)language learning environment; (2) children's language learning strategies; (3) classroom communication; (4) effective teaching…

Some views on and implications of "the output hypothesis," which proposes that the process of producing written or spoken language results in language acquisition/learning, for immersion pedagogy and second-language learning are discussed. The role of collaborative learning is considered. (Contains 14 references.) (LB)

This bibliography lists articles on bilingual education and elementary level French immersion programs for English-speaking children. (RM)

Presents the findings of an evaluation of a double immersion program in Hebrew and French undertaken by two English-speaking Hebrew day schools. (Author/RM)

A brief discussion of the history, organization, program, advantages and effectiveness of immersion centers, schools offering only the immersion program, in Canada. Some of the small amount of existing research is reviewed. Although there are no definitive conclusions, it is suggested that such centers may offer a better educational program than…

A study is made of students at 17 schools which in September 1971 offered a primary immersion program in French as well as the standard English language classroom. The progress of the students was examined in terms of their grade level placement over time and in terms of attrition rates. (Author/RM)

A summary is given of a research conference held in Montreal in November 1975. Six themes of the conference are outlined and discussed: identification of program goals for evaluation; program structure and evaluation; program product and evaluation; process of second language acquisition, dissemination of information; responsibilities of the…

A review of the history of French immersion programs since their inception 15 years ago. The following topics are also addressed: a review of the findings of immersion research, new directions with regard to other forms of language teaching, quality of second language development, future research and teacher training. (AMH)

Research is presented in support of the theory that early French immersion of English-speaking children leads to bilingualism. The evidence is limited to children through the end of grade four. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (RM)

A report is made of an investigation regarding the type of learning disabilities found in children who fail or do poorly in primary French immersion programs. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (RM)

A discussion of three possible formats of a bilingual education program: early total immersion, early partial immersion and late partial immersion. A French cloze test was used to evaluate the lead group of students in each program. A tentative conclusion is drawn in favor of the early total immersion program. (AMH)

A research colloquium was held by the Ontario Ministry of Education in April 1976 on the subject of alternative programs for teaching French as a second language. A summary is given of discussion during which the audience was invited to question a panel of researchers, guest analysts and school officials. (RM)