French immersion (FI) programs in Canada have historically served predominantly Canadian-born, English-speaking students and families in their endeavour to learn both of the country's official languages, French and English. However, FI programs are becoming increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse as a result of increased global…

This volume represents the first collection of empirical studies focusing on peer interaction for L2 learning. These studies aim to unveil the impact of mediating variables such as task type, mode of interaction, and social relationships on learners' interactional behaviors and language development in this unique and pedagogically powerful…

Discusses two questions: (1) What has the recent research conducted in French immersion programs in Canada contributed to understanding of second language acquisition?; and (2) What has it contributed to the broader field of applied linguistics? Considers research in the coming decade, and discusses obstacles that may be faced in Canada in…

A brief discussion of the history, organization, program, advantages and effectiveness of immersion centers, schools offering only the immersion program, in Canada. Some of the small amount of existing research is reviewed. Although there are no definitive conclusions, it is suggested that such centers may offer a better educational program than…

A review of the history of French immersion programs since their inception 15 years ago. The following topics are also addressed: a review of the findings of immersion research, new directions with regard to other forms of language teaching, quality of second language development, future research and teacher training. (AMH)

With its focus on language teaching and learning processes, French immersion research of the 1900s deals with a number of issues of significance to teachers. These include the following: early development of strategic competence, the role of the first language, problematic language features, and learning needs. Field studies of classroom…

A discussion of three possible formats of a bilingual education program: early total immersion, early partial immersion and late partial immersion. A French cloze test was used to evaluate the lead group of students in each program. A tentative conclusion is drawn in favor of the early total immersion program. (AMH)

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)

A research colloquium entitled "Alternative programs for teaching French as a second language in the schools of the Carleton and Ottawa School Boards" was held by the Ontario Ministry of Education in April 1976. The purpose, background, and program of the colloquium are described. (RM)

A discussion of the effect of an immersion program on the majority language child. Research is reviewed on the "threshold hypothesis" and "the developmental interdependence hypothesis." Recent studies of the cognitive and academic effects of bilingualism are critically examined in the light of these hypotheses. A bibliography…

Results of studies by four research teams on French as a second language in Ontario are presented along with commentaries. Merrill Swain and Sharon Lapkin's findings from the study "Bilingual Education in Ontario: A Decade of Research" are reported, and Michael Canale's discussion of the purposes and theoretical framework development of…

Articles on immersion and bilingual education include these: "Terminological Considerations Regarding Content and Language Integrated Learning" (Tarja Nikula, David Marsh); "Educazione bilingue e multiculturale, istruzione bilingue, immersione totale: quattro nozioni da definire" ("Bilingual and Multicultural Education,…

A special journal issue on French language immersion programs in Canada consists of these articles: "The Immersion Phenomenon" (H. H. Stern); "For My Kids, It's French without Tears" (Judy Gibson); "A 'First' for a Toronto High School" (Claire Mian); "The Teachers, Key to the Success Story" (Andre Obadia);…

The status of higher education provided to the francophone minority outside Quebec is examined, including accessibility of French-language institutions, francophone assimilation, and the effects of bilingual institutions on francophones. Research on these issues are summarized, and experiences with French-language schools in Alberta are discussed.…

Discusses the evaluation of bilingual education programs, surveys the results of seven bilingual education evaluations, and presents their diverse findings. Argues that such research cannot say whether bilingual education is good or works. Describes a "bilingual immersion" program where language minority and majority students learn from…