Research and Validity
Research Methodology
Various research methods were used in developing this resource, including Core French classroom observations, online surveys completed by FSL teachers, field testing of a prototype module, and focus groups with FSL curriculum leaders and teachers.
Research Results
- In the classroom, teachers have moved away from the stand-and-deliver model of teaching. The Gradual Release of Responsibility approach is used widely in today’s FSL classrooms and teachers often prepare their own projectable teaching slides and lesson content.
- Teachers have been trained in the CFR and expect resources to be mapped to proficiencies and for student tasks to be action-oriented.
- 85% of teachers believe it is “critically important” or “very important” to have good visual supports for teaching students French.
- FSL teachers prefer to work from individual student modules rather than one big textbook.
- 88% of teachers prefer to have blended resources (print and digital) for their classrooms.
- Resources should seek to weave in intercultural awareness.
- 95% of teachers indicated they currently use digital content in their classrooms.
- Students were engaged by the Mon réseau, ma vie prototype because they “saw a purpose in the activities.”
- The Mon réseau, ma vie prototype encouraged “meaningful classroom discussions.” Teachers really liked the listening and speaking opportunities and found “the reading and writing activities complemented the language interaction.”