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)

The theoretical foundations and research findings concerning sheltered French and English classes at the University of Ottawa, and an application of this model is examined as a means of ensuring better implementation and coordination of secondary French immersion programs. Quality of instruction and teaching strategies are emphasized. (18…

It is proposed that negotiation of form can be effective in language immersion instruction. Students are pushed to produce ever more accurate and appropriate utterances, drawing on their own sociolinguistic resources. Examples are provided from an eighth-grade classroom where the teacher uses feedback, questioning, discussion, and…

This study investigates the motivation for learning French, the ethnic identities, and the decision to pursue post-secondary education in French of anglophone graduates of intensive French language programs in high school. Sixty-two graduates of either French immersion, Advanced Placement French, or the International Baccalaureate French program…

Studies are reported which attempt to discover the exact level of second language proficiency reached by students in second language immersion programs, with emphasis on analysis of error. (RM)

A discussion of past and future research on immersion instruction focuses on the following areas: product variables, teaching and learning processes, and teacher education. It is found that the "product" emphasis of research in the 1980s has shifted to encompass administrative, instructional, testing, and program design issues. (91 references)…

The design, implementation, and evaluation of a British Columbia program to retrain French teachers in immersion instruction is described. The program's impetus was the need for pedagogically qualified and linguistically competent immersion teachers. (21 references) (Author/MSE)

Examines the problems associated with interlanguage in French immersion and how teachers can use the writing process to help students develop the target language. It is suggested that language can be mediated through conferencing sessions, and in so doing, propel students into their zone of proximal development. (15 references) (Author/CK)

Through interviews and direct observation, examined how 120 Toronto (Ontario) children understand and experience kindergarten in ten English first-language (L1) and ten French immersion second-language (L2) classes. Results indicate the similarities between the groups were greater than the differences, contradicting suggestions that L2 immersion…

As part of a quiet revolution, language immersion has been important in establishing confidence in the creation of bilingualism through education. The momentum of this movement can be maintained through improvements in French immersion, core French, emphasis on minority and foreign languages, and a new approach to university language curriculum.…

Explores direct techniques, such as semantic mapping and formal word analysis, as ways of supplementing the incidental learning of French vocabulary through reading by high school students in immersion and extended French classes. Findings indicate that these techniques can play a positive role in the second language classroom. (38 references)…

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 the effect of reading aloud to grade two French immersion students with that of participation in the normal language arts curriculum during a three-month period. Reading aloud was found to be a simple but effective adjunct to formal teaching methods for accelerating second language acquisition. (29 references) (Author/MSE)

Reports on a study that monitored and corrected the writing of bilingual Fransaskois students and immersion graduates in the same class. The study's objectives were to determine whether francophones and anglophones made similar or different mistakes and whether the two groups could be taught together without prejudice. Both groups made similar…

Discusses children's concept development and exploratory talk in the primary years of early French immersion (K-3). Data from a case study of a primary program is related to personal teaching experience and research in language and learning and developmental psychology. Suggests possible approaches to enhancing concept development and exploratory…