The articles collected here are intended to inform parents of all the theoretical and practical considerations involved in initiating and maintaining second language instruction, specifically in French, for the child. Topics covered include: (1) descriptions of types of second language programs; (2) teaching methods; (3) results of research on the…

This paper gives an overview of language teaching in Canada today and describes some general trends in language pedagogy. Current issues in the field are highlighted. Included is a two-page comment by Birgit Harley. (MT)

Second language immersion programs, originally developed in Canada some 20 years ago, have been implemented in a number of U.S. cities. Alternative forms of U.S. programs are described--enriched, magnet, and two-way bilingual--and research findings pertaining to the effectiveness of each are summarized and discussed. (Author)

A comparison was made of an early French immersion program and an English language elementary program. Major trends resulting from the comparison are summarized. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (RM)

A research colloquium was held by the Ontario Ministry of Education in April 1976 on the subject of alternative programs for teaching French as a second language. A summary is given of discussion during which the audience was invited to question a panel of researchers, guest analysts and school officials. (RM)

This publication, launched by the French Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association and prepared under the Millennium Partnership Program in Canada, presents a collection of essays written by French language immersion students in the elementary and secondary grades. Essay topics touch on the following themes: remembering, dreaming, celebrating,…

The materials in this document discuss the Alberta (Canada) public school curriculum for French immersion instruction for 5-year olds in preschool, intended for implementation in September 2000. The first part outlines the rationale and organization of the curriculum model and its five guiding principles. The second part describes the seven…

Examines research on the effectiveness of bilingual French/English "immersion" programs v French/English "intensive" programs consisting of a regular curriculum in English plus an intensive five-month oral French program. (AM)

Reports on a research study seeking to determine why a large percentage of English-speaking Canadian parents do not enroll their primary-aged children in French immersion programs. (AM)

A discussion of the effectiveness of French immersion education chronicles its history, presents some of the evidence against the approach, discusses the findings of a recent report in light of pedagogical rather than theoretical second language acquisition assumptions, and outlines the alternative road to bilingualism through classroom…

Reviews a survey of all Ministries of Education and a sampling of school districts taken to explore whether a French Immersion (FI) teacher shortage exists. Findings indicate a stabilization in the growth rate of immersion programs, a lack of teachers for specialty areas and of teachers specifically trained to teach in immersion. (12 references)…

A study of 127 French immersion students in Alberta found over two-thirds never read in French for pleasure outside school, a finding not influenced by gender, French reading achievement, or attitude towards reading in French. However, students benefitted from some methods used by teachers to stimulate reading. (51 references) (Author/MSE)

An experimental study was designed to evaluate the effect on French language proficiency of an integrated, formal, analytic and functional, communicative approach to second-language teaching in French immersion. The study consisted of 315 grade 7 early French immersion students. (28 references) (VWL)

Traces the 20-year development of the Cree Way Project in Waskaganish, Quebec, which now provides total Cree immersion from preschool through grade 4, trilingual instruction (Cree, English, and French) in upper elementary and secondary grades, culturally adapted curriculum and teaching methods, and extensive culture-based education, including…

Reports on a series of recent research projects concerning the principles of additive and subtractive bilingualism in Canadian schools and the probability of minorities and majorities successfully learning a second language based on their overall mastery in their first language. (60 references) (GLR)