In Canada, education in French as a second language (FSL) offers students the opportunity to learn a second official language. Is such an opportunity appropriate for allophone students who are still in the process of learning English? This literature review provides a fourfold consideration of the issue. Section 1 examines the political response…

An examination of "de facto" and "de jure" bilingualism in Canadian universities looks at the phenomenon of French immersion programs, discusses the steps universities can take to prepare for bilingual college students, and uses the case of Franco-Ontarians to demonstrate the importance of developing individual rather than…

A synthesis of research on the Franco-Ontarian school environment focuses on the maintenance of French by Franco-Ontarian students, their French language proficiency, and their native language instruction. The relevance of these issues in other French language minority settings is discussed. (MSE)

Spontaneous movements in second language instruction are contrasted with instructional projects designed to address specific issues or problems. Canada's proposed National Core French Study is discussed in this context. (MSE)

Directions in second-language curriculum development in Australia are discussed in the context of three contemporary educational value systems or ideologies: classical humanism, reconstructionism, and progressivism. (MSE)

An overview of empirical research conducted in Canada's core French language programs addresses eight major areas: (1) program characteristics and outcomes, (2) program supplements, (3) student characteristics, (4) enrollment influences, (5) teacher characteristics, (6) public opinion, (7) program implementation and administration, and (8)…

Reviews literature from 1968-86 on enrichment strategies for gifted children in the primary grades. A variety of questions concerning primary school gifted children in French immersion classes are discussed and implications for teachers are summarized. (35 references) (Author/MSE)

Ways are outlined to help students read their textbooks and do homework exercises effectively, know when they really understand the material, pinpoint what they do not understand, and know when they need help. Suggestions are offered for incorporating student training and practice in study strategies. A sample worksheet is appended. (25…

A review of 11 research studies on the impact of split of multigrade classes, particularly elementary core French programs, is presented. Recurring themes include teachers' perceptions that multigrade classes negatively affect their ability to provide quality core French programing and the need for research to examine areas of student achievement…

Describes recent developments in heritage language education in British Columbia, Canada, discussing issues a heritage language advisory committee encountered in creating such policy, defining heritage language and the clientele for heritage language education, reviewing appropriate curricula, encouraging program development, and arranging…

Reports on two studies of minority language children enrolled in a Toronto, Canada, bilingual (English-French) program. The study indicated that focus on the maintenance and development of students' heritage language with specific reference to literacy learning enhanced the learning of French, a third language for the minority language students.…

Existing empirical research on core French instruction is reviewed, and research directions are proposed in four areas: program design, program objectives and outcomes, curriculum issues, and teacher education. Experimentation with alternative instructional designs for delivery of core French is seen as a high priority. (84 references) (Author/MSE)

Discusses teacher shortages in French language instruction areas in Canada, both core and immersion; the rationalization of programs; staffing and financial support among Alberta's tertiary education; language teacher preparation; and continuing professional development. Suggestions are made as to how a smaller university can better fulfill its…

Examines the relative contributions of the school and the family to the bilingual development of francophone minority group students in western Canada. The implications for the survival of the French language in western Canada are discussed. (74 references) (GLR)

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)