Being understood is a primary goal of language learners. However, their various backgrounds may influence their pronunciation. What if language teachers could invest in their students' musical backgrounds to help them improve their French pronunciation? Is it more important for language teachers to focus on achieving native-like pronunciation, or is intelligibility of pronunciation more beneficial for building communicative competence? What other components besides a musical background contribute to the development of their language skills?
World language programs are facing unprecedented challenges as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century. Hundreds of K-16 French programs have been eliminated. The University of West Virginia is perhaps the most visible example. To complicate matters, world-renowned linguist and former French major John McWhorter declared that it's time to “stop pretending that French is an important language.” We can't control the circumstances or the conditions around us, but we can control our response. Controlling our response cements our “mindset of possibility.” Controlling our response gives us a chance to save our French programs and when we have a “mindset of possibility,” our options become limitless. In this workshop, we will (1) listen to your current situation, (2) provide potential solutions via examples of untouchable programs, and (3) discuss accessible funding opportunities and the creation of on- and off-campus partnerships to secure allies in our struggle.
Count on Command Performance Books to build your library and encourage the joy of reading. Introduce students to la Francophonie with the Qui parle français? series. Take them to dystopian lands with La Planète grise graphic novels. See how they react to the classroom drama in the La Classe des confessions books. Use riddles from À Quoi je pense? as a warm-up. In this session will introduce you to all our most requested readers. Youpi!
Cet atelier vous propose deux sujets qui contiennent beaucoup de possibilités pour attirer les jeunes dans vos classes! Une grande quantité d’activités vous attend pour rendre les textes choisis accueillants et passionnants pour tous! Vive les terrains de camping et les patinoires!
Game theory is the study of how and why individuals—referred to as “players”—make decisions in various situations. In the French-language classroom, we can use a variety of games, both traditional and app-based, to enhance student learning. This hands-on session will explore game-based learning as a way to create an engaging classroom environment that helps students connect more deeply with the French language and its cultural contexts.
