Abstract
The ability to speak a foreign language fluently is essential for university students who plan to use their oral communication skills in a bilingual career. The growing presence of technology-supported modules and online materials make it necessary to take a closer look at how the effective integration of these innovative tools can improve oral competency in French face-to-face courses and flipped classrooms. This study brings particular focus to pedagogical considerations and evidence-based practice shown to improve students’ oral proficiency. The following classroom-tested strategies are presented and discussed: the use of Module tools allowing for combining sequences of course content with multiple-choice questions that help keep students engaged with course content and provide an opportunity to process important concepts in small chunks before their face-to-face course sessions. In addition, the implementation of a Vocabulary Quiz and Assignment tool designed for practicing presentational, interpersonal, and individual oral tasks as well as an online Discussion forum will serve to create and strengthen a student community and allow for a discussion of interests, future career plans and course-related experience beyond the classroom. Conclusions highlight the potential benefits of using online tools when planning future courses with a focus on oral communication.
Presenters
Marie-Anne VisoiAssociate Professor, Teaching Stream, Department of French, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Communications and Linguistic Studies
KEYWORDS
French Oral Proficiency, Foreign Language Pedagogy, Learning Community, Online Tools
