LE français INTENSIF

Exploring Intensive French

as a means to enhance the learning profiles

of our students.

Background of Intensive French• 4 year research study• To provide a higher level of language

competency in French to all students• To develop a positive attitude towards

learning a second language• First piloted in 2002 in Saskatoon• Implemented across SK and Canada and replicated in other

countries for other languages• At 8 schools: St. Augustine, St. George, Mother Teresa, Father

Robinson, St. Bernard, St. Dominic (S’toon) and St. Augustine and St. Dominic in Humboldt. (Approximately 268 students this year 2014-15)

What does Intensive French look like?• First five months: Intensive French (Sept. to end of

January)• Intense and uninterrupted periods of French• 3 or 4 times the number of hours in FSL in a school year

(ex.: from 90 to 300 hrs/year)• A reorganized FSL curriculum based on a Language Arts/

Literacy approach • Last five months: regular curriculum• Grade 6 implementation

  Sept.-January

Feb.-June

F French 60% 12%

E Math 14% 14%

E Health education - 4%

E Religion 10% 10%

E Science - 8%

E Social studies - 8%

E Music (Band) 4% 4%

E Phys. Ed. 8% 8%

E Arts Ed. 4% 4%

E English language arts - 28%

SCARED- especially at the beginning because it’s so new and you may not feel comfortable.

FRUSTRATED- You want to talk but you aren’t quite sure of the words!

DETERMINED- You want to express yourself and you take a chance to say something even if you aren’t sure!

IGNITION- It clicks! This usually happens about week 6 or 7 of the 20 week program.

Brain and Language Research•Hardwired at birth to speak every language•Languages have much in common •Considerable brain growth in adolescence

Optimum time to expose students to a rich language experience.

Why does it work?

Languages are best learned when there is …

• Less time on KNOWLEDGE– Teaching grammar (for oral communication)– Learning vocabulary lists

• More time on USE– Interacting in the 2nd language– Modeling the language– Correcting the language used

Focus

1. Authentic communication2. Developing literacy skills3. Challenging projects4. Interactive strategies5. Building internal

knowledge of French

Les passe-temps

Les animaux

Moi

Examples of Themes

Les voyages

family

food

clothing

school

sports

music

Results after the 5-month intensive period

• Oral Proficiency InterviewMost students are able to sustain a conversation, using phrases and short sentences; emerging spontaneity; some ability to create with the language.

• Writing Assessment (composition)Saskatchewan students are able to write at approximately a grade 3 or 4 level in fluency and accuracy when compared with Quebec francophones.

Effects on Learningno negative effects improved abilities in English language and

mathematics resultssuperior scores to non-intensive classes in

same schoolsimproved abilities in English and self-esteem

for some struggling students

Students showed :

• Increased responsibility and participation• Increased self-esteem, confidence, initiative• Increased autonomy and personal

organizational skills• Increased motivation to continue to study

French

FOLLOW-UP: POST-INTENSIVE FRENCH for Grades 7-12

Enhancement of the Core French program

Same teaching strategies used in IF

Literacy & project-based

Units of study for grades 7-12

Same supports as IF from Ministry and Division

  Grade 7 & 8 Post-Intensive French

English 24%French 14%Math 16%Religion 10%Science 8%Social studies 8%Music (Band) 4%Phys. Ed. 8%Arts Ed. 4%Health Education 4%

Grades 9-12 Post-IF semestered like other courses at St. Joseph, Bishop James Mahoney High School and Humboldt Collegiate.

Registration Process

• Each school has its own registration procedure for Intensive French• Knowing early allows time to staff

appropriately based on needs.

Please know that the program provides an opportunity for students and that it is optional.