My teaching style in a classroom is quite a dynamic one (even online). A good variety of teaching strategies is key to keep learners’ attention. On the other hand, I have also to make sure students follow that pace. Consequently, coming to online teaching during lockdown made me rethink how to teach a language remotely. In France a modern language is commonly called “une langue vivante” (“a living language”). In my opinion it has to be very interactive. I use different tools from Whiteboard fi or Zoom whiteboard for students to be hands on (writing their answers, dragging and dropping, matching answers, etc..), quiz online (various language website including Kahoot), recording their speaking when students are ready, self-assessment tools, questioning techniques in French and English. We can use Zoom or Teams as our teaching plateforms and add SENECA or Nearpod in the mix to help with learning independently and uploading lessons.

The most important is sharing anecdotes about France and my culture. For A Level-students this is also crucial as the current specifications are very much about the culture you are studying. For all school years, it is essential to relate to a different culture if you want to understand yours better.

Teaching a language is also sharing a culture. I do believe this is an asset for our young generations and for many reasons. Firstly, they know their own language better (the English language contains many French words due to our tumultuous past common history). Secondly, they learn a language that makes them more competitive on the job market (including the multinational companies in Great Britain). Finally, they have a better insight of a different culture from their own which puts their own world into perspective.

I am holding a PGCE French with German and taught for 13 years in the mainstream all group years and specialised in supporting students in their exam years (GCSE/A Level French).