Reviews conditions and practices found in effective core French programs, which are potentially useful to teachers. The review includes elements related to provincial curricula, organization for instruction, instructional planning, instructional strategies, and student evaluation. (MSE)

Proposed changes of the Canadian National Core French Study are discussed that focus on the concept of a multidimensional curriculum based on a communicative approach to language learning. Implications are considered. (Contains 11 references.) (LB)

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…

The National Film Board of Canada's video series "Pour tout dire" was developed during the National Core French Study and actively involved two of the study's members. The series integrates a number of recommendations from the study and contributes to their implementation in the classroom. (Author/MSE)

Spontaneous movements in second language instruction are contrasted with instructional projects designed to address specific issues or problems. Canada's proposed National Core French Study is discussed in this context. (MSE)

This is an annotated bibliography of: readers, workbooks, conversation books, cultural sources and readings, flash cards, duplicating or line masters, and media kits submitted by publishers as applicable to French second language instruction from kindergarten through senior high school levels. (MSE)

Directions in second-language curriculum development in Australia are discussed in the context of three contemporary educational value systems or ideologies: classical humanism, reconstructionism, and progressivism. (MSE)

A plea is made for interprovincial cooperation in renewing the French core curriculum by widening its scope so that it becomes a viable alternative to the popular immersion programs. A multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four syllabi (language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education) is outlined.…

The recent evolution of second language teaching theory regarding language, learning, communication, and teaching is summarized, and factors contributing to resistance to core second language programs are examined. They include tradition, school programs, time of instruction, language of instruction, teacher training, attitudes, and…

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)

Specific student attitude problems in compulsory language courses are described and solutions to them are presented, including first-day pep talks, teacher approval and positive attitudes, use of interesting topics, props, provision for student creativity, skillful use of questioning, and use of novelty. (MSE)

Some features of a British Columbia provincial evaluation of elementary core French programs are described and selected examples are used to illustrate the ways the results have been used in individual school districts for program improvements. (Author/MSE)

Existing empirical research on core French instruction is reviewed, and research directions are proposed in four areas: program design, program objectives and outcomes, curriculum issues, and teacher education. Experimentation with alternative instructional designs for delivery of core French is seen as a high priority. (84 references) (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…

The formative evaluation of the curriculum, student attitudes, French achievement, and implementation of an elementary level core French program illustrates the usefulness of classroom observation and points to some general shortcomings in core French program content and teaching strategies. (MSE)