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So CASLT Members Say

CASLT Surveys, Polls & Reports

Make your voice count! Participate in our monthly polls.

In this new survey, we would like to know more about your level of knowledge of the Common Framework of Reference for Languages and its level of integration within your work environment. To complete the survey click here.

Learn from your peers! Our members always have good ideas and tips to share with us. Here are some results from our monthly polls.

Do you intend to undertake or to participate in any professional development activities (on you own or through formal training) this coming summer? What are these activities? What activities or resources that you would like to be available to assist you from a professional development standpoint?

Over 60% of of our respondents planned to undertake professional development activities during the summer of 2011. They included Additional Qualification Courses in FSL but also workshops on technological tools such as SMART BOARD. Many would love to see more PD opportunities on a variety of topics such as technology and hands-on material in grammar. The need for study grants for short courses was also mentioned, along with resources such as lesson plans, classroom activities, podcasts and vodcasts, and Websites for students to help them maintain their language compentencies during the summer and for their parents to help them improve their knowledge of the language studied by their children. Our respondents were teachers teaching FSL, Core Fench, French Immersion or teaching other languages in grades 4 to 12.

Will you attend "Language Without Borders", the National Conference for Second Language Educators, that will be held in Montreal, from April 7 to 9, 2011? If you plan to attend, what are the issues that should be addressed?

The answers to our January survey addressed a wide array of subjects. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the "Diplôme d'études en langue française" (DELF) were of course mentioned, but a workshop on the Aim Language Learning technique was also requested. Others would like workshops on the teaching of grammar in context, developing skills for listening in a second language environment for learners, the transfer of skills from acquisition to application, exchanges with other groups, etc.

What are the new services if any, that you wish CASLT would offer to its membership in the coming year?

The answers to last month survey highlighted the importance of DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) for our members, who are looking for more new ideas, teaching strategies and class activities that help incorporate DELF/European Framework into everyday teaching of FSL.
Other respondents would like CASLT to help them find valuable IWB (interactive white board or IWB) resources to help them teachCore French.

How has technology influenced your teaching methods? Do you use a SMART Board in you classroom?

Overwhelmingly, our respondents acknowledged the advantages offered by technology for both teachers and students. If anything, most respondents wish more technological resources were available for teaching. SMART Board is used by approximately half of the respondents and a number of respondents highlighted the wealth of resources offered on the web.

Are there any Thanksgiving activities that you recommend for L2 teachers?

"I recommend reading a Thanksgiving poem to the class."

- CASLT member

How long have you been a CASLT member and what are some of the highlights since you joined our association? Are you planning on attending our 40th anniversary celebrations in Winnipeg at the Delta Winnipeg Hotel, 23-24 September?

"I've been a member of CASLT since 1984 and have had many highlights over the years. The annual conferences were always a "must" for me; first as an excellent professional development opportunity, and then for connecting with other educatory across the country. Two of the biggest highlights were helping to organize and host two conferences in PEI; in 1994 and 2002. I am planning to be in Winnipeg for the 40th anniversary celebrations - can't wait!"

- CASLT member

How do you improve your teaching skills during the summer months?

"I like to read in French, watch French movies, travel to French-speaking communities, keep the radio on in French, watch French TV, listen to French music, and telephone my French-speaking friends to chat."
- CASLT member

"I travel and stay in France or Québec for as long as I can. If I can't travel, I sometimes take university courses. I also rent all of the videos that I haven't seen during the year so I can keep current with my students."
- CASLT member

What subjects would you like to see in our feature articles in Réflexions?

"I would like Réflexions to feature new resources for teaching FSL that match the CEFR, as well as feature more stories about the DELF."
- CASLT member

What topics most interest you for attending PD sessions?

1. AIM methodology
2. Bilingual Education, Spanish, music in the classroom, research in L2, technology in L2.
3. social justice education
4. how to deal with difficult parents, and students behavior

What are some tricks to get kids to practice their oral L2 at home with their parents, friends, and in the community?

"When driving my daughter and her friends, I tell them that "c'est une auto française. Ici on parle français." I play a french CD and the kids have fun showing off what they know in French!"
- CASLT member

"My mentor teacher taught phone vocabulary and asked the students to make their answering machines/voicemails bilingual and then called to check them."
- CASLT member

Which search engines do you most frequently use for L2 resources and why?

Google, because...

1. "it is all encompassing; it provides so many tools, so it's more than just a search engine."

2. "it is quick and easy, and I can use advanced language features or the Canadian sites only option."

3. "it provides quick access to resources."

Are you doing anything special with your class for the winter Olympics that are taking place in Vancouver? Why is it important to celebrate (or highlight) this event with your students?

"I believe it is important to give the proper vocabulary to (ESL) students. They are watching the Olympics with their friends and their family, so why not teach them the names of the sports in English?"
- CASLT member

When you have free time at the end of the class, what is your favourite language learning game to play?

"Students enjoy a game of Hangman. The class is divided into two teams and they really get into the game of trying to solve the mystery French word! Sometimes we will include previous vocabulary words such as days of the week, months, colours, numbers, etc."
- CASLT member

"I split the class in two (or three) and ask a simple question in French. The first two students from each team to raise their hand, responds to the question with a simple response in French. As long as it makes sense, they get a point for their team. Then I ask the next question to the next two people down the line. At the bell, we quickly tally up the points and announce the winning team."
- CASLT member

"Students line up as usual and we begin counting by 2's, 3's, 5's, 10's, or any other number of choice. Then each student, in turn, must respond with the following correct number in French. You can alter the challenge after the first try, by beginning at the end of the line, or even by placing the students in two teams and tallying up the answers for the winning team."
- CASLT member

What are your favourite Web Gems for your L2 classroom?

1. www.languagesonline.com
2. www.elllo.org
3. www.quia.com
4. www.wordreference.com
5. http://quizlet.com

How are you planning on doing things differently in your language classroom this year?

"As a curriculum support manager, I will circulate TPS overheads to our language classrooms with suggestions for use. Teachers will create lesson plans instead of me trying to do it all. It will free up time to create more digital resources. I will work on translation of existing SmartBoard activities and post online."
- CASLT member

What are your favourite online material building tools?

"A French editing Web site called www.bonpatron.com. I use it to create quizzes, assignments, and other printed documents at times when I don't have access to my French keyboard."
- CASLT member

How you advocate on behalf of second language learning programs in you school?

"I speak with all the French Grade 8 students about the importance of continuing with a second language. The hard work required for success in these classes helps to promote excellent study skills and higher level thought processes. Having a second language will always benefit them and speak to their strong work ethic. I also tie this discussion in with making 'smart' choices for their option classes. Since I began giving these talks, we have seen higher enrollment in grades 9-12 French and Spanish classes."
- Patricia Nutini J.L. Crowe Secondary Trail, BC

"I get my students to see that French is an official language in more than 51 countries. We research all of them and do a brochure on each to present. I also have students do research on what types of jobs require knowing French; we present them and fill our classroom wall with the many findings. I also show my students how French helps their English."
- Paul Wood, Toronto

"I make sure to update on French during staff meetings."
- CASLT member

When you only have a few minutes left at the end of a class, what is your favourite quick and fun language learning activity?

"I play "Comment dit-on ?" I look around the room and ask that question with an English word at the end and the students call out what the French word or phrase is."
- CASLT member

"Students enjoy a game of Hangman. The class is divided into two teams and they really get into the game of trying to solve the mystery word! Sometimes we will include previous vocabulary such as days of the week, months, colours, numbers, etc."
- CASLT member

Why did you choose to become a language educator?

"A strong desire to travel and know other cultures and people. Also the love I had while studying French in High School."
- CASLT member

''The career chose me. I was embraced by it and fell willingly in love with it.''
- CASLT member

"Because I realize that a second language is a powerful tool to understand the world and to amplify communication worldwide."
- CASLT member

"Love learning new languages myself... Love sharing a new language with students!"
- CASLT member

"I love languages and I wanted to share my enthusiasm with students. Learning a second language can be so rewarding that I felt students should be given an opportunity to have fun with learning!"
- CASLT member