Week 4 - the journey progresses

Hello again and thanks for joining me at the end of Week 4 of my language learning challenge.  During the past week I have continued work with both CoffeeBreak French and Tex Grammar in accordance with my original plan.  As part of this process, I reviewed my blog proposal to ensure that I had remained on task.  Generally, I have found that I have been able to successfully complete the study with the online language tutors.  While there has been anecdotal evidence of improvement in my listening and writing skills, primarily through increased confidence with the second language, I felt it obligatory at this stage to undertake some formal assessment.  Details and results are presented at the end of this week’s blog.

However, in reviewing my chosen language learning technologies, I have also completed an evaluation of their performance within the sphere of language learning social networks and communities.

Technology #1 – CoffeeBreak French

a)      Since first listening to the podcasts, I have discovered that a Facebook site exists for this program – it has approximately 26,000 people following the site.  Posts provide information in both English and French and allow responses from the community.  These are subsequently corrected by the program administrators, thereby supporting reading and writing skills as well as grammar and vocabulary.   Additionally, video links are posted and these assist with listening and comprehension.

b)      Language learners could be motivated to participate in this community as it is readily accessible, provides free learning support, is interactive as there is direct comment from the team at RadioLingua.  Perhaps most beneficial is that it allows connection with other language learners of all levels and this affords a more authentic language learning experience.

c)       Multimodal features are somewhat limited, however the site posts a number of video links which are helpful.  Another feature of the Facebook page is that members are able to send voice recordings which may be used on future podcasts.

d)      I have found that participating on this site is much more informal and relaxed than traditional learning environments.  Posts are frequently based on an aspect of French life which is an aspect that I find particularly enjoyable. 

e)      The material posted is relevant, current and authentic and appears to appeal to a wide range of students.  Although the site is informal, there is feedback and corrections for grammatical errors.

f)       My approach to language learning in this environment has been to post comments in response to the topics being presented.  This has certainly assisted my sentence structure and vocabulary.

g)      Safety concerns with this site, as with any other social media, can be reduced through the use of the program privacy settings.  However, as a Facebook user, you do become the recipient of target advertising.

h)      My experience with this site has not provided any evidence inappropriate content or racist stereotypes.  The community seems to be genuinely committed to the further advancement of language learning.

Technology #2 – Tex Grammar

a)      Social networks can also be effectively employed with my other learning challenge technology – Tex Grammar.  This program has also developed a Facebook interactive page (Français Interactif) that allows language learners to participate in forums and discussions.  Unlike the Facebook page for CoffeeBreak French, Français Interactif provides a platform for developing language skills with strong cultural emphasis.  There are posts with links to film and music videos together with articles depicting French history and culture.   In addition, there are frequent posts with instruction on the contemporary use of French in modern society eg. Top 10 des insultes françaises expliquées.

b)       In using this Facebook site, I have found that my language learning has been enhanced through the provision of more authentic use of the language.  While my learning style generally sits more comfortably with traditional learning methods ie. Grammar translation and audiolingualism, I have discovered that from a motivational perspective, participation in social networks that focus on interactivity have not only tested my language skills but provided renewed interest and enthusiasm.  I consider this to be of significant benefit as repeatedly, results show that time on task is one of the key indicators for second language acquisition.

Assessment

At the end of Week 4, I have undertaken a number of self-assessment tasks as part of my action learning strategy.  In the previous weeks, I have identified my language learning challenge, prepared my proposed strategy and implemented a plan which would hopefully provide signs of improvement in my language skills.  As mentioned in the original proposal, my assessment was to complete the DELF A2 listening skills test and written grammar tests provided by Tex Grammar.

At the following link - http://www.ciep.fr/en/delf-prim-delf-delf-junior-version-dalf-diplome-detudes-langue-francaise-diplome-approfondi-langue/sample-papers - sample papers and audio are provided.  I have completed two of the listening skills tests.

 While I found the pace of speech somewhat faster than that used in CoffeeBreak French, I was able to comprehend the audio sufficiently to be able to complete the tests successfully.  As yet my comprehension skills do not allow full understanding of the text on a word for word basis, I am satisfied that through my language learning challenge, I have been able to work towards an improvement in this area.
Through the completion of the written tests using Tex Grammar, I have been able to revise and reinforce grammatical aspects of French.  For me, it is the repetitive and structured focus of this technology that forms the solid base upon which I am most comfortably able to build my language skills. 

The Last Word

That’s it for another week.  Next week will provide a wrap up of my language learning challenge for SLAT2002.  However, I am sure that this will not be my last or final challenge in my journey to French fluency.

“The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too, common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane. Each sentence we produce, whether we know it or not, is a mongrel mouthful of Chaucerian, Shakespearean, Miltonic, Johnsonian, Dickensian and American. Military, naval, legal, corporate, criminal, jazz, rap and ghetto discourses are mingled at every turn. The French language, like Paris, has attempted, through its Academy, to retain its purity, to fight the advancing tides of Franglais and international prefabrication. English, by comparison, is a shameless whore.”
― Stephen Fry, The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within