Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT)

The Contradiction of Being a French L+ Teacher: Issues to Consider to Support Immersion Teachers (English)
2023-02-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
The French immersion faculty is evolving. While it was once predominantly composed of people with French as their dominant language (L1), a recent study by ACPI (2019) points out that, in fact, the majority of today’s French immersion teachers outside of Quebec speak French as an additional language (L+). For those who work in their non-dominant language, the experience can include feelings that are complex and sometimes contradictory.
The powerful experience of learning French in immersion is what makes a career in immersion appealing to so many graduates of the program. That being said, the decision to teach in immersion is often accompanied by a certain amount of stress that arises as these teacher-graduates attempt to integrate into the immersion language community. These feelings go beyond personal linguistic insecurity to concerns around legitimately belonging to the immersion language community.
Despite a desire to belong, new French L+ teachers can feel a strong sense of non-belonging when the only aspects of linguistic identity that are considered are accent and French-language proficiency. Teacher-graduates seek to assert their contributions to the immersion program and to have a voice within this community. Collectively, we need to reflect on our perception of what defines the legitimacy of L+ teachers and ask ourselves how our perception of this legitimacy can affect their access to this community.
This workshop will explore the complexities of bilingual life through the story of a French immersion teacher and suggest ways to support the legitimacy of bilingual teachers.
The session will recorded and posted on the CASLT CoLab afterwards.

Latest Research on Second Language Learning and News from Other Countries
2023-02-15 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Showcase meeting 3 for the National Table for French as a Second Language.

The Contradiction of Being a French L+ Teacher: Issues to Consider to Support Immersion Teachers (French)
2023-02-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Connecting Language Learners to the World Outside: A Panel Discussion (English)
2023-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
With the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has come to play a vital role in language classrooms. As part of our mission to support second language teachers and teaching throughout Canada, CASLT is hosting a series of Online Professional Learning webinars exploring the role of technology in language teaching and learning.
Language doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so why should our language classrooms? Connecting language students to the real world in authentic and meaningful ways can be a highly motivating way to encourage learning. In 2020, the recipients of two of CASLT’s Research and Special Initiatives Grants set out to explore different ways to connect their students to the outside world. Karen and Serena explored the development of intercultural understanding and awareness fostered among students participating in a virtual “Web Pals” language exchange. Laun and Ashleigh had their students interview fluent French speakers for a podcast to inspire them to be more engaged. Join our panel discussion to learn more about each of these projects and how you can implement their strategies in your own classroom.
The session will recorded and posted on the CASLT CoLab afterwards.

Causerie avec David Bouchet
2023-03-01 18:30 - 19:45 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Connecting Language Learners to the World Outside: A Panel Discussion (French)
2023-03-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Mauril in the Classroom / Pilot Project (French)
2023-03-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Mauril in the Classroom / Pilot Project (English)
2023-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Collective Resilience: Supporting and Engaging Language Teachers Through Communities of Care
2023-03-23 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1A6, Canada
The Languages Without Borders (LWB) pre-conference is an opportunity to network and discuss current challenges and potential solutions in language education. The 2023 pre-conference will take place in person and will be recorded.
Language teacher retention has been a longstanding challenge in Canada. Administrators and leaders feel a collective responsibility to take care of language teachers, but how can they do so in a way that fosters a sense of collective resilience? Research consistently recognizes the importance of mentorship and communities of practice as vehicles to support language teacher retention, but ongoing efforts to support and engage teachers require that our communities of practice also function as “communities of care.” What does this mean? How does one establish a community of care, and what does it feel like to be part of one? This interactive panel session will address these questions and consider possibilities for collective resilience in language education. Our panelists bring together a wealth of knowledge and experience in language teacher identity, communities of practice, and mentorship. They will guide participants through the creation of a community of care while discussing ideas and strategies for supporting and engaging language teachers. Participants will leave the session with practical ideas and takeaways for building and supporting communities of care within their own contexts.
Registration Fees Transportation and Accommodations

Faculties of Education Roundtable
2023-03-23 16:15 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1A6, Canada
CASLT is pleased to invite researchers and stakeholders in FSL teacher education to our second Faculties of Education Roundtable Event.
Goals
The goals of the FSL Teacher Education Roundtable are to:

Share and learn about research project updates from participants of the November 2020 roundtable.
Build community among researchers and stakeholders in FSL teacher education.
Share updates and findings of the FSL Teacher Education research project.

Languages Without Borders 2023
2023-03-24 - 2023-03-25 | Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1A6, Canada
The Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) and the Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association (OMLTA) are proud to co-host Languages Without Borders (LWB) 2023. This edition of Canada’s premier national professional development conference for second language educators and stakeholders will be held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto from March 24–25, 2023.
The 2023 conference will be presented in a hybrid format. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual program is available. Some sessions may be recorded and added to the CASLT Learning Centre, enabling asynchronous as well as synchronous conference participation.
Schedule of Events Conference Program Abstracts of Presentations Registration Transportation and Accommodations Sponsors Exhibitors Call for Proposals

Pre-Conference
The pre-conference, Collective Resilience: Supporting and Engaging Language Teachers Through Communities of Care, will take place on March 23.
Learn More

Inspiring Action: Leadership Strategies for Empowering Language Teachers (English)
2023-04-03 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
With the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has come to play a vital role in language classrooms. As part of our mission to support second language teachers and teaching throughout Canada, CASLT is hosting a series of Online Professional Learning webinars exploring the role of technology in language teaching and learning.
Supporting staff is an integral part of leading a school and helps mitigate teacher attrition. Research consistently demonstrates that teachers thrive in environments where they feel supported and valued and have trusting relationships with their administrators. Since the introduction of online learning, administrators may have wondered how they could continue to support language teachers in new blended learning environments. This interactive panel discussion will focus on practical strategies for school leaders to inspire and empower these language teachers. Join our panelists, including current administrators and a language teacher, to ask your questions and discuss best practices for supporting language teachers in blended teaching assignments.
The session will recorded and posted on the CASLT CoLab afterwards.

Inspiring Action: Leadership Strategies for Empowering Language Teachers (French)
2023-04-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom

Symposium virtuel de l'ACPI : Pédagogie et rétention au secondaire
2023-04-21 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
Le 21 avril prochain, en moins d’une journée, l’ACPI rassemble huit (8) experts de l’immersion française ainsi qu’une panoplie d’organisations francophones et francophiles canadiennes pour offrir des outils concrets aux professionnels de l’immersion œuvrant au niveau secondaire.
S’adressant principalement aux professionnels des niveaux 9e à la 12e année, cette journée a pour objectifs :

Permettre aux enseignants d’obtenir des outils, trucs et astuces pour assurer le transfert de langue dans l’enseignement des matières
Faire connaître aux professionnels de l’immersion les organismes et organisations pouvant encourager et supporter leurs élèves afin qu’il puissent poursuivre des études post-secondaires en français ou encore faire le choix d’une profession bilingue.

Deadline for Nominations: H. H. Stern Award
2023-05-31 | Ontario

Deadline for Nominations: Robert Roy Award
2023-05-31 | Ontario

Deadline for Applications: Research and Special Initiatives Grants
2023-05-31 | Ontario

Networking Reception: Winnipeg
2023-06-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Winnipeg) | The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, 222 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0R3, Canada
This get together will be an opportunity to network with other players in the field of second and additional languages in Canada. It will also provide you with the opportunity to learn about a few of CASLT’s recent initiatives to support its vision of excellence in teaching languages.

CAJLE Annual Conference
2023-08-17 - 2023-08-18 | Ontario
CAJLE holds an annual conference which includes lectures and workshops by guest speakers, as well as research presentations and a general meeting. The conference provides a great opportunity for participants to exchange information and opinions on Japanese language education and Japanese linguistics. The CAJLE 2023 Annual Conference will be held in Montreal, Quebec.

Networking Reception: Quebec City
2023-08-18 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 209 4 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0C6, Canada
CASLT’s Board of Directors is hosting an L+ networking reception in Quebec on August 18, 2023. This get-together will be an opportunity to network with other players in the field of second and additional languages in Canada. It will also provide you with the opportunity to learn about a few of CASLT’s recent initiatives to support its vision of excellence in teaching languages.
Please register by Monday, August 14 to confirm your presence.

FSL Teaching Approaches and Strategies
2023-09-12 19:00 - 2023-10-19 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Course Details
Schedule and Format
12 lessons over 6 weeks that blend theory and practice:

Synchronous 60-minute classes Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Tuesday evening classes are synchronous and all participants attend.
Thursday evening classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously. Participants may either attend the live class or work through the module on their own and post a reflection.
Participants are asked to apply what they are learning in their own classrooms and share their observations with course colleagues.
Optional activities: Reading/viewing activities complement the course discussions.

First class: September 12, 2023
Last class: October 19, 2023
Registration Fees

Registration Type
Rate

CASLT Member
$120 + tax

Non-member*
$180 + tax

*Includes a one-year CASLT membership.
Course Completion
All participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion.
Participant Profile
Teachers of Core, Extended, or French Immersion programs (elementary or secondary)
Language of the Course
This course is taught with a bilingual approach. Course content will be presented in English, with classroom examples in French. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French.
Instructional Approach

Action-oriented: Each module will include authentic examples from FSL classrooms, including videos of classrooms in action and examples of student work. Throughout the course, participants will contribute their analyses, questions, and reflections as we examine these examples together and identify the teachers’ and students’ strategies for improving communication in French.
Differentiated: Each participant is asked to set out personalized learning objectives, reflecting on their own professional learning goals for the course. The activities in the course are designed to be transferable to different teaching contexts. We will make explicit connections to how strategies can be adapted or selected based on student age, interest, and skill-level.

Course Description
In this course, we will explore different approaches and strategies for teaching French. Why do some strategies work better in certain contexts or for teaching certain skills? Join us in a safe, no-judgment professional learning environment where we will share examples of what works (and what doesn’t!). We will also discuss the research and experiences that inform our teaching practices.
The course is anchored in the pedagogy (Action-Oriented Approach) and language skill development (comprehension, production, interaction) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) but the principles are also applicable to other frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 6-week course, participants will be able to:

Distinguish between different pedagogical approaches to teaching French as a second/additional language
Identify and compare a variety of evidence-based strategies to help students develop their communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Apply those strategies to their own teaching context and receive feedback on their approach

Course Overview

Week
Topic
Learning Objectives

1
How Did You Learn French (Or Other Second Language)?
Recognize the impact of personal learning experiences and preferences on our teaching choices/methods
Identify some historical and evidence-based approaches to second language teaching: grammar-translation, audio-visual, communicative, and action-oriented (socio-actional)
Discuss and compare classroom examples of these approaches

2
What Is Our Common Understanding of “Strategies”?
Compare strategies, skills, and teaching habits
Connect the Action-Oriented Approach with three types of strategies: cognitive, metacognitive, and socio-emotional

3
Second Language Pedagogy: A Science or an Art?
Identify strategies supported by evidence
Discuss the role of experience and intuition (in addition to evidence)
Reflect on the popularity of some approaches despite a lack of research evidence

4
What Teaching and Learning Strategies Are Particularly Useful to Support Listening and Reading (Comprehension)?
Recognize the different purposes for listening or reading, and that teaching strategies should be based on purpose
Select a comprehension strategy presented in class to try in your classroom and create a single-point assessment rubric

5
How Do We Design Opportunities for Oral and Written Interaction?
Identify supports for students before and during interaction activities to address their learning needs
Select a support strategy presented in class to try in your classroom and create a single-point assessment rubric

6
Planning: Collaborating and Reflecting
What Strategies Work for Me and My Students?
Co-create criteria for selecting/applying teaching strategies (How do we know if a strategy was effective? How will students know?)
Share and reflect on the results of a classroom experience based on the week 4 or 5 strategies
Practice giving feedback based on strategies that support communicative skills
Revise and submit your assessment rubric (comprehension or interaction) for instructor feedback

Teaching with Comprehensible Input Novels in the Language Classroom
2023-09-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Classroom novels are a potent tool for taking students on a cultural journey, allowing them to see and understand a culture different from their own. Comprehensible input (CI) novels allow learners to understand most, but not all, of the words and structures used. Reading a novel as a class helps students with their language acquisition process. It facilitates a deeper understanding of the story and gives students tools to make stronger connections and build robust mental representations.
This workshop will share different activities that enable teachers to scaffold the process of reading a novel as a class while fostering an atmosphere where students can fall in love with the culture and story of each CI novel. The focus will be on hands-on activities and sharing tips and ideas, and there will be a question-and-answer period at the end of the session.
This workshop will be presented in English only. The session will recorded and posted on the CASLT CoLab afterwards.

Canadian Association of Teachers of German National Conference
2023-09-23 08:30 - 2023-09-24 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Cégep du Vieux Montréal
Aktivismen als Lern- und Erfahrungsthemen: Herausforderungen, Hilfe und Möglichkeiten für Deutschlernende und Lehrkräfte
Cégep du Vieux Montréal and Goethe-Institut Montréal: Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. For registration and full details, visit www.catg.ca.

Strengthening Our Community Session 1: A Journey to the Heart of Street Art in Francophone Regions
2023-09-27 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
FSL Fundamentals: Strengthening Our Community
Virtual Community-Building Events
The main goal of this virtual event series is to strengthen our community through participation in hands-on learning activities that will develop a sense of belonging to a network of French as an additional language teachers. Through a series of five sessions between fall 2023 and spring 2024, we will discover cultural elements specific to the French-speaking world. Each session will be interactive, allowing you to learn about a cultural theme through experiences. You will be able to transfer what you’ve learned to your classroom or simply take advantage of these moments to relax.
We work so hard to meet our students’ needs that we sometimes forget to consider our own emotional needs. Take some time to have fun while making connections, speaking French, and developing your intercultural skills in a relaxed environment.
Session 1: A Journey to the Heart of Street Art in Francophone Regions
In this first session, we’ll discover Google’s « Voyager au cœur du street art » website together and visit places in the French-speaking world to discover street murals. You’ll have the choice to visit two places that interest you the most and to react to the works of art.
Farokhi and Hashemi note that “[t]o work in the arts, students are required to notice carefully, analyze and interpret diverse texts, think critically, pose problems, and make decisions and generate multiple solutions” (2012, p. 924). In this session, we’ll reach for the same objectives by discovering works of art in the streets of French-speaking countries. This session will be a chance to discover art and learn ways to bring it into your classroom.
Reference: Farokhi, M., & Hashemi, M. (2012). The impact/s of using art in English language learning classes. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 923-926. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811030990

Annual General Meeting and Networking Day 2023
2023-10-13 08:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown, 350 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7E9, Canada
CASLT holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Networking Day each fall. The event is a great opportunity for CASLT members, partners, and stakeholders in language education to discuss important updates, network, and share information and ideas.
CASLT’s 2023 AGM and Networking Day will take place on Friday, October 13 Ottawa at the Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown. The event is free to attend.
Register

Event Details and Documents

French for Teachers (A1)
2023-10-24 19:00 - 2023-12-05 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Course Details
Schedule and Format
12 lessons over 6 weeks that blend theory and practice:

Synchronous 60-minute lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Asynchronous learning activities during the week

First class: October 24, 2023
Last class: December 5, 2023
*No class October 31, 2023
Registration Fees

Registration Type
Rate

CASLT Member
$120 + tax

Non-member*
$180 + tax

*Includes a one-year CASLT membership.
Course Completion
All participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion.
Participant Profile
Teachers of Core, Extended, or French Immersion programs who communicate with an A1 CEFR French proficiency level and who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice.
Placement
Registrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR A1 description and “can-do” statements. All three proficiency courses will run at the same time, so instructors may use their discretion to move participants to a different level.
CEFR A1 Description
A1 level communicators can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. An A1 communicator can interact in a simple way provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Language of the Course
This course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at an A1 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency.
While some of the course content will be presented in English, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions.
Instructional Approach

Each synchronous class will be approached from an asset-based perspective.
Each synchronous class will be rooted in the activer–acquérir–ancrer model and a differentiated approach to teaching and learning.
Plurilingualism and student voice and choice will be respected and celebrated.

Course Description
In this course, participants will engage in practical and meaningful coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. Teacher-learners will be exposed to high-frequency vocabulary specific to the teaching of FSL. This vocabulary will be modelled and reinforced so that participants become more comfortable with its use.
In an inclusive, welcoming environment rooted strongly in Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP) practice, participants will be invited to listen, speak, read, and write in A1-level French while forming professional connections with one another. Teacher-learners will be provided with ongoing opportunities to engage with one another in A1-level French language. Listening and reading tasks will be provided with supports appropriate to A1 language learners. Participants are encouraged to use their French language orally and in written form for a variety of authentic targeted purposes. Teacher-learners will self-assess based on their progress and proficiency throughout the course.
Participants will work through a variety of tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators.
Please note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but the material is also applicable to other frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 6-week course, participants will be able to:

Grow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency
Accurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement
Develop the language skills necessary to facilitate learning in the French classroom
Build community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language
Combat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community

Course Overview

Week
Topic
Learning Objectives

1
The First Five: Getting to Know Your Learners and Creating an Inclusive Environment for Learning
Use inclusive strategies to welcome learners
Model space of accountability to promote inclusion
Take linguistic and social risks to become more comfortable using the target language (French) in an educational milieu

2
The CEFR and the Growth Mindset: What is Already in Your Teaching Toolbox?
Use “je peux” statements to self-assess proficiency
Use action-oriented tasks to promote and encourage a growth mindset
Explore and develop the growth mindset to reframe challenges as opportunities

3
Maximizing Success Using the Cycle for Learning
Develop and use vocabulary linked to the cycle for learning to improve professional practice
Define and explore individual efficacy
Use the cycle for learning to connect the growth mindset with individual efficacy

4
Assessment and Evaluation: Demonstrating Progress of Learning
Develop opportunities for the classroom to honour student voice and choice through assessment and evaluation opportunities rooted in Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP)
Explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) can be used to create and implement opportunities for creative and alternative assessments

5
The Journey to Proficiency and the Importance of Self-Reflection
Practice using tools for self-reflection
Create opportunities for metacognitive practice to encourage opportunities for growth specific to French as a Second Language

6
Celebrating Learning and Sharing Success
Identify the importance of celebrating learning as part of a growth mindset and efficacy
Explore ways of celebrating learning to create a supportive classroom environment
Reflect on the power of communities of teaching and learning

French for Teachers (A2)
2023-10-24 19:00 - 2023-12-05 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Course Details
Schedule and Format
12 lessons over 6 weeks that blend theory and practice:

Synchronous 60-minute lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Asynchronous learning activities during the week

First class: October 24, 2023
Last class: December 5, 2023
*No class October 31, 2023
Registration Fees

Registration Type
Rate

CASLT Member
$120 + tax

Non-member*
$180 + tax

*Includes a one-year CASLT membership.
Course Completion
All participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion.
Participant Profile
Teachers of Core, Extended, or French Immersion programs who communicate with an A2 CEFR French proficiency level and who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice.
Placement
Registrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR A2 description and “can-do” statements. All three proficiency courses will run at the same time, so instructors may use their discretion to move participants to a different level.
CEFR A2 Description
A2 level communicators can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. A2 level communicators can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
Language of the Course
This course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at an A2 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency.
While some of the course content will be presented in English, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions.
Instructional Approach

Each synchronous class will be rooted in the activer–acquérir–ancrer
Development of linguistic competencies will be addressed in the context of the FSL classroom.

Course Description
In this course, participants will engage in practical and meaningful coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession. Teacher-learners will be exposed to high-frequency vocabulary specific to the teaching of FSL. This vocabulary will be modelled and reinforced so that participants become more comfortable with its use. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the proficiency expectations and evaluation criteria for the A2 level and of how these expectations can be integrated into the FSL classroom.
In an inclusive and welcoming environment, participants will be invited to listen, speak, read, and write in French while forming professional connections. Participants will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous tasks to promote reflection and professional dialogue with other course participants.
Participants in the course will:

Develop an inclusive and safe learning community through pairing and sharing activities
Examine A2 linguistic competencies as they relate to oral comprehension, oral production, written production, and written comprehension
Participate in targeted practice of A2 linguistic competencies in the context of the FSL classroom
Practice using A2 linguistic strategies in their classrooms and giving feedback to FSL students using appropriate classroom language
Reflect on and discuss instructional strategies for oral comprehension, oral production, written production, and written comprehension and the most effective ways to integrate these strategies into classroom practice using clear directions and appropriate modelling

Participants will work through a variety of tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators. Participants will also share strategies that can be used to further develop linguistic competencies and help their colleagues achieve a greater sense of self-efficacy.
Please note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but the material is also applicable to other frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 6-week course, participants will be able to:

Grow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency
Accurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement
Develop the language skills necessary to give clear directions, engage students in basic discussion on familiar topics, and give constructive feedback in the French classroom
Build community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language
Combat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community

Course Overview

Week
Topic
Learning Objectives

1
What Are CEFR A2 Linguistic Competencies?
Examine A2 language proficiency descriptions to self-assess and identify areas for development
Use pairing and sharing to develop an inclusive learning community

2
How Can We Develop Oral Comprehension Skills?
Identify the expectations of A2 oral comprehension
Engage in a range of A2 listening activities
Apply strategies to enhance listening proficiency

3
How Can We Develop Oral Production Skills?
Identify the A2 linguistic competencies for spoken interaction and spoken production
Apply strategies to enhance oral production proficiency

4
How Can We Develop Written Comprehension Skills?
Examine A2-level written comprehension samples to identify the competencies required
Apply strategies to enhance proficiency in written comprehension

5
How Can We Develop Written Production Skills?
Examine A2-level written production samples to identify the competencies required
Apply strategies to enhance proficiency in written production

6
How Can We Move Forward? Using Self-Assessment and Professional Learning Practices for Growth
Develop a toolkit of strategies to enhance oral and written language proficiency
Use self-assessment and professional learning practices for proficiency growth
Develop a sense of belonging to professional communities
Share best practices and additional resources

French for Teachers (B1)
2023-10-24 19:00 - 2023-12-05 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Course Details
Schedule and Format
12 lessons over 6 weeks that blend theory and practice:

Synchronous 60-minute lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. EST (Zoom)
Asynchronous learning activities during the week

First class: October 24, 2023
Last class: December 5, 2023
*No class October 31, 2023
Registration Fees

Registration Type
Rate

CASLT Member
$120 + tax

Non-member*
$180 + tax

*Includes a one-year CASLT membership.
Course Completion
All participants who finish the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion.
Participant Profile
Teachers of Core, Extended, or French Immersion programs who communicate with a B1 CEFR French proficiency level who wish to improve their linguistic skills in an inclusive and safe environment while learning ways to develop their pedagogical practice.
Placement
Registrants do not need to take a language assessment and may place themselves by reviewing the CEFR B1 description and can-do statements. All three proficiency courses will run at the same time, so instructors may use their discretion to move students to a different level.
CEFR B1 Description
B1 level communicators can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can respond to situations that may arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. When describing experiences and events, B1 communicators develop their skills by using increasingly complex structures. They can respond spontaneously to everyday situations.
Language of the Course
This course is taught with a bilingual approach. The course content will be presented in French at a B1 level with bilingual instructions. Participants may engage with coursework and discussions in English or French, depending on their comfort level. Participants are encouraged to practice their French as much as possible in order to improve their proficiency.
While some of the course content will be presented in English, the instructor will model instructional and student engagement strategies in French. Participants are encouraged to engage with coursework in French but should feel free to use English to seek clarification or discuss specific linguistic or pedagogical questions.
Instructional Approach

Each synchronous class will be rooted in the activer–acquérir–ancrer
Each synchronous class consists of collaborative learning and sharing what was tried in the classroom.
Asynchronous learning consists of trying activities or approaches in the classroom.
Additional resources for viewing and reading will be provided.

Course Description
In this course, participants will use their increasingly independent language skills to explore the challenges of FSL teaching, including classroom space, perceived value, student diversity and engagement, Differentiated Instruction (DI), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). They will engage in meaningful and practical coursework designed to develop language proficiency specific to the FSL teaching profession.
During this course, we will listen, read, and share research; collaborate on solutions; and share experiences to develop excellent pedagogical practices — in B1 level French! By actively participating and reflecting on our own language learning journey, we are equipping ourselves not only with tools we need to learn French, but with insight into our students’ learning as well.
In an inclusive and welcoming environment, participants will be invited to listen, speak, read, and write while forming professional connections. FSL teacher-learners will share strategies, ideas, and resources (songs, videos, images, text) beneficial for teachers (and students) at this level of language development. Teachers will build community around FSL teaching, creating a network that will allow them to continue community building after the course, thereby helping to combat the isolation of the FSL profession.
Participants will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous tasks to help them reflect on their own progress and celebrate their successes. They will build their professional toolkits by learning strategies and next steps and fostering strong connections to other FSL educators.
Please note that the course will focus primarily on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) but the material is also applicable to other frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this 6-week course, participants will be able to:

Grow their pedagogical and linguistic knowledge by self-assessing their French skills and teaching practices in order to value their demonstrated and growing proficiency
Accurately assess their own CEFR language proficiency and the competency areas in need of growth or reinforcement
Develop the language skills necessary to engage students in their own learning journeys in the French classroom
Build community around FSL teaching by collaborating in an inclusive space to encourage risk-taking and use of the target language
Combat isolation in the FSL profession by forming professional connections in class and in the CASLT CoLab community

Course Overview

Week
Topic
Learning Objectives

1
Creating Community and Establishing Norms: Getting to Know Ourselves and Our Students
Reflect on personal experiences and determine where we are on our language learning continuum
Explore personal identity and lived experiences with professional practice related to creating community
Define professional needs and expectations of community participation for this course and beyond
Co-create our virtual professional learning community

2
Student Diversity and Engagement: Setting Our Students Up for Success
Explore the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) in supporting oral language learning and engaging students
Explore concepts of evaluation and observation for learning
Share ideas on assessment and observation in getting to know our students

3
The Action-Oriented Perspective: Planning for Success
Identify strategies to increase student engagement
Plan an action-oriented task and subtasks
Incorporate the use of CEFR language descriptors in the classroom to meet student needs
Identify and experiment with supports tailored to B1 learners

4
Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning: Strategies to Get Them Talking
Develop a common understanding of Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Explore differentiation strategies to encourage student discussion (visual images, visual stories, videos, audio text)
Build a bank of visual resources
Incorporate strategies into teaching practices
Observe and share results of using these strategies

5
Differentiation Strategies to Get Them Talking: Working Towards Success
Explore differentiation strategies to encourage student discussion (questions, texts)
Build a bank of differentiated questions
Explore the role of the NLA in supporting reading and writing
Incorporate strategies into teaching practices
Observe and share results of using these strategies

6
Providing Guided Practice: Developing Learner Autonomy and Confidence
Explore centres and stations as guided practice to develop learner autonomy and confidence
Share strategies for using classroom space
Reflect on the perceived value of FSL programming and share strategies for enhancing it

Celebrating Joy in the French Immersion Classroom with Diverse Novels and Picture Books
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
CASLT is proud to partner with the Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association and the FSL Disrupt Project team to host this online professional learning workshop.
Interested in updating your classroom bookshelves with culturally relevant and responsive materials? Novels and picture books are great resources to help your students think critically. The FSL Disrupt team has curated a list of teacher-approved texts and novels that our increasingly diverse secondary and elementary learners have found engaging, identity-affirming, and thought-provoking. In this session, teachers will learn about the FSL Disrupt Project, gain access to resources via our website, and listen to testimonials and book reviews from teachers currently engaged in the work of diversifying and centring texts that focus on Joy and Excellence in French Immersion classrooms. As the session unfolds, we will divide into dedicated breakout sessions catering to grades K–8 (elementary) and 9–12 (high school) educators. Take part in this interactive workshop by reading a book and sharing your review on its appropriateness with fellow FSL teachers. Check out any of the novels on the FSL Disrupt website and visit the resources page from previous book club meetings to see what this learning looks like!
This session will be useful to any language teachers working with intermediate and advanced students immersed in the target language.

Conscience métalinguistique et Afrique francophone : quelques enquêtes en cours
2023-11-10 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
CCERBAL is hosting a research forum, Conscience métalinguistique et Afrique francophone: quelques enquêtes en cours, presented by Oreste Floquet, linguistics professor at Sapienza University of Rome and associate member of the Abidjan Institute of applied linguistics.
