The goal of this workshop is to offer strategies to Core French teachers instructing Grades 6-8 to increase students' motivation to study French. In the first portion of this workshop, we will explore some common challenges experienced by Core French teachers and students; workshop participants are encouraged to share their own challenges and experiences as well. The presenter will then share the challenges identified by Core French teachers and students based on the findings of their research.
In the second portion of this workshop, the presenter will introduce the concept of "motivational variables" and make recommendations for Core French teachers to help mitigate any individual, instructional, or contextual factors which may play a role in students' motivation to study French.
In the final portion of this workshop, the presenter will offer research-based strategies and activities for Core French teachers to improve their students' motivation to study French. This workshop aims to connect theory, research, and practice to suggest instructional methods that Core French teachers can use to inform their teaching. Participants will be able to apply the suggested motivational strategies and specific activities within their French classrooms immediately following the completion of this workshop.
6-8/Middle school
Erin O'Toole is a current Master's candidate and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Victoria. Her Master's thesis research involved gathering student and instructor perspectives of the Core French program in B.C., and developing informed recommendations to improve Core French classroom experiences for both students and instructors. As a future French teacher, Erin is passionate about knowledge sharing, fostering supportive learning environments, and celebrating diversity, both in and out of the classroom.