Curriculum modules for the teaching of French as a second language

Abstract

Recent research in second language acquistion has indicated that two variables that affect the acquisition of a second language are the factors of time and input. The success of immersion teaching is significantly linked to these factors. In an attempt to duplicate the optimal learning conditions of French immersion in the French core classroom which include the teaching of subject matter in the target language, modules based on Canadian history were developed. These modules cover the Habitation of Port Royal from 1604 to 1608 and the life and death of Louis Riel. These modules contain all the necessary documentation for implementation in a Grade 7 and Grade 8 classroom including lesson plans, content and various activities and tests.

These modules will be used in designated classrooms in Halifax city, and Halifax county. An ethnographic and quantitative study will be conducted in the pilot classrooms to determine if the implementation of these modules as an extension to the regular French core program will in any way contribute to increase communicative ability or language proficiency in the participants.