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…

Using critical interpretive procedures, this synthesis reviews qualitative and quantitative empirical studies (N = 181) published between 2000 and 2017 in the Canadian French as a Second Language (FSL) K-12 context. This study examines the thematic focus of findings relevant to key stakeholders (i.e., students, teachers, teacher candidates,…

Translanguaging practices come into play in social interactions between bilinguals when they are making use of all their shared linguistic resources and blending their languages in natural ways. Stemming from these practices is translanguaging pedagogy, which is designed so that students in school-based additive bilingual programs can benefit from…

A distinction should be made between movements, which spontaneously influence the course of language teaching, and projects designed to effect change or deal with specific issues or problems by research methods. A Canadian professional association has proposed a major national project on core French instruction. (MSE)

Reports results of a survey of British Columbia elementary, secondary, and adult second language reading teachers, including teachers of English as a second language. The survey focused on their procedures, practices, and instructional materials. The discussion notes their use of basal readers and oral reading by native English speakers. (MSE)

An annotated bibliography lists and indexes 52 recent publications on English and French second language instruction for all levels. Both professional publications and curriculum materials are included. Items are indexed by language, type, and publisher. (MSE)

A plea is made for interprovincial cooperation in renewing the French core curriculum by widening its scope so that it becomes a viable alternative to the popular immersion programs. A multidimensional language curriculum consisting of four syllabi (language, culture, communicative activities, and general language education) is outlined.…

Focuses on the importance of vocabulary knowledge as fundamental to proficiency in a second language (L2). The article notes that each of the studies in this issue examines L2 vocabulary learning from a particular angle, including lexical progress, learning strategies, context effect, the role of learner factors such as age and first language…

A comparison of core French curriculum guides for Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick reveals emerging trends in objectives, program structure, and methodology and a sense of consensus on French language instruction curriculum guide content. Findings may be of special interest in light of the proposed framework for a national…

The first stage of a study of Ottawa French immersion graduates at four universities examines their language skills; language use in university studies, work, and social life; attitudes toward the use of French; and opportunities for use and retention of advanced French skills at the universities. Research methodology is also discussed.…

A study compared immersion and nonimmersion learning environments, as perceived by students, in 95 New Brunswick grade 6, 7, and 9 classes. In grade 6, no significant differences in perception were found; in grade 7, immersion students see their environment more positively; and in grade 9, the differences seem to disappear. (25 references)…

It is proposed that today's basic elementary/secondary curriculum must include multilingual and multicultural education as part of the intellectual, individual, and social development of the child. The experiences of Europe, especially Italy, with bilingual education are used to illustrate this concept. (Author/MSE)

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)

Results of a large-scale evaluation of early and middle immersion programs in the Toronto (Ontario) area, involving 4 districts and 26 grade 8 classes, suggest that middle immersion yields less consistent performance levels than early immersion. Overall, findings favor early immersion. (11 references) (Author/MSE)

The National Core French Study, a four-year curriculum project sponsored by the Canadian Association of Language Teachers and government-funded, resulted in the recommendation of a multidimensional curriculum model based on a communicative/experiential approach. The model and its implications for professional development, program design, and…