Classroom Experience: A Springboard to Proficiency Growth with CIEE
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The Language and Culture Program with CIEE kicked off its second session on July 30, 2024. The overall goal of the program is for students to develop proficiency in the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing at the different levels of placement.
To accomplish this goal, the program has put in place five key components, one of which is the classroom experience. Totaling 3 hours per day, (including a short break) Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm, les cours en français is the foundation for the growth and development of skills in the four core curricular components (community conversations, cultural activities and excursions, host family connection, and reflection journal).
The language teachers are equipped with pedagogical techniques and a deep understanding of language acquisition principles, challenging students towards proficiency growth through various classroom activities, yet taking into consideration the challenges faced as a non-native speaker when learning French at any level.
Lessons are done in whole and small group settings, with emphasis on interpersonal and presentational communication to increase the acquisition and utilization of new vocabulary for daily interactions and expressions. Topics chosen and covered in class strategically immerse students into the French culture and help them make connections with their daily living situation with their host families as well as through cultural activities and excursions.
Through feedback and one-on-one walkthroughs during lessons, the teachers empathize with student struggles and provide effective strategies to overcome them, thus increasing self-confidence and classroom participation. Scholars are encouraged to keep conversations in the target language with their host families, friends, teachers, program leaders, CIEE staff, vendors, and the everyday Parisian through Ozlefrançais (community conversations).
The classroom experience has been an incredible vehicle in transporting our students into new terrains of language acquisition and proficiency by moving them out of their comfort zone pour pratiquer la langue!
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