A study of French immersion teacher education programs at Simon Fraser University and Faculte Saint-Jean (University of Alberta) in Canada is reported. The in-depth case studies examined program clientele, models, participant experiences and needs, and planning, especially in relation to current research on teacher education. (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)

Outlines ways for postsecondary institutions to adapt entry requirements and develop new courses to meet the needs of two target groups with different language learning needs: functionally bilingual secondary immersion graduates and graduates of secondary foreign language programs who show interest in increasing proficiency in French. (MSE)

Research on multilingualism and learning of additional languages is reviewed, focusing on research on minority language children in immersion and double-immersion programs and the factors related to success. Early partial immersion is seen as more feasible than full immersion for this group, with middle immersion the best option yet researched.…

Opportunities for English-speaking French immersion graduates to do some or all university studies and activities in French are discussed, including bilingual institutions and programs, French language and literature courses, nontraditional subject-matter courses taught in French, academic exchanges, extracurricular and summer activities, and…

Important features of practicums for teachers of elementary school language immersion programs include: mentoring and peer coaching; guidance in self-analysis, observation, and reflection on teaching practices; and experience with realities of immersion. A period of induction beyond the practicum is also recommended. (19 references) (MSE)

Presents results of a survey of about 65 percent of Ottawa's graduates of bilingual education programs in 1978-79 and 1979-80 concerning their education and employment since high school, their plans, self-assessed level of French proficiency, actual or expected use of French, and opinions of the program and its effects. (MSE)

The University of Calgary's response to requests from the Canadian Parents for French for a review of bilingual opportunities at the institution is chronicled. The response is analyzed in terms of the financial and pedagogical problems operative on the postsecondary level. (MSE)

Traces the reasons for development, the characteristics of the new French programs, the premises underlying their development, organization of the resulting curriculum guides, and implications of the revised curriculum. Summarizes program offerings across Canada, program costs and anticipated outcomes. (Author/MES)

A model is presented for postsecondary French language education based on the belief that linguistic improvement and cultural rappprochement are complementary goals. Data on secondary French immersion enrollment trends are noted, and planning difficulties due to small enrollments and insufficient information about career goals are discussed. (MSE)

A description of the French language training program used in Canada's Public Service Commission outlines its two components, a core course for lower levels and an independent study package, and other program aspects, including program characteristics, application of the communicative approach, notions as organizing principles, methodology, tests,…

Proposes a model of immersion strategy based on an emphasis on communication and on the use of a great variety of teaching techniques. (AM)

Discusses the increased demand for French immersion teachers, the concomitant demand for improved teacher education programs, and the joint efforts of the University of Manitoba's faculty of education and French department to create a course for senior students and practicing teachers to meet these needs. (MSE)

Describes immersion weekends sponsored by the University of Calgary. The discussion includes examples from actual weekends to describe the planning and implementation. A qualitative evaluation is also discussed. (Author/AMH)

Secondary school French immersion programs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are outlined, and some causes of student attrition are discussed. Institutional, societal, and individual variables are related to the situation; suggestions on provisions for immersion students' special French language needs on the postsecondary level are offered. (AMH)