Nolwenn Leroy - "Mélusine" (Subtitling Video)
Students in French 201: Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension begins the semester reading the medieval story of Mélusine compiled by Jean d'Arras. While students might see medieval texts as too far removed from their own interests, introducing a contemporary musical iteration of the story helps to ground the tale in students' minds. French singer Nolwenn Leroy sings "Mélusine", a song in which she tells the story from the héroïne's point of view, and the music video is available online. By using Subtitle Edit, a free, open-source editor for video subtitles, I added French subtitles to the video so that students can more easily understand the song.
"La construction médiatique de l'Islam en France" (PowerPoint to Structure Discussions)
The class meetings of French 410: French Press often combined instructor-centered teaching with learner-centered discussion. PowerPoint lecture notes allowed me to provide students with outlines of our class session in advance, permitting students to look up unfamiliar terms before class and prepare thoughts and questions to discuss in class. Then, in class, the slides helped students stay on track and take effective notes in French as they supplemented the slides' main ideas with additional information developed in class.
For our study of the media's construction of Islam in France, the PowerPoint to the left served as the basis for our discussion. Not only were students exposed to the history of the Islam's representation in French media but they also were able to see examples of how various magazines have depicted Muslims.
For our study of the media's construction of Islam in France, the PowerPoint to the left served as the basis for our discussion. Not only were students exposed to the history of the Islam's representation in French media but they also were able to see examples of how various magazines have depicted Muslims.
"La burqa est-elle un objet de scandale ?"(Using YouTube for Authentic Source Material)
In a course such as French Press, access to recent television and radio programs is essential to expose students to how French media treat different social, cultural, political, and economic questions. During our unit on Islam in France, students watched an episode of L'objet du scandale thanks to its availability on YouTube. The debate over wearing the burqa and its effect on opinions of national identity and security came to life for students through this 30-minute program in which a burqa-clad woman debates with a panel of politicians and journalists... all without subtitles. For the students who had not studied abroad, this activity also allowed them to experience what it is like to watch a television show in France.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu8kdLDf1oI&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL2aNujOwP4&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mXqdiCQEJA&feature=related
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu8kdLDf1oI&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL2aNujOwP4&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mXqdiCQEJA&feature=related
MyFrenchLab (Online Grammar Workbook for Student Practice)
Using Rond-Point to teach the Basic Language Program brought with it the opportunity to shift from a traditional print workbook to the electronic workbook available through MyFrenchLab. With MyFrenchLab, students can practice grammar exercises multiple times and receive instant feedback on incorrect answers. Using MyFrenchLab freed up class time for more interactive, communicative activities, but it also meant that as a class we could look at exercises together that were particularly problematic.
Additionally, I received instant feedback about student problems, allowing me to adapt my lessons to meet the pattern of student needs. The shift to MyFrenchLab meant that workbook exercises became an integral part of learning rather than merely assessing student comprehension after the fact.
Additionally, I received instant feedback about student problems, allowing me to adapt my lessons to meet the pattern of student needs. The shift to MyFrenchLab meant that workbook exercises became an integral part of learning rather than merely assessing student comprehension after the fact.
