An historical study of the development of the teaching of French in the schools of Newfoundland to 1974

• Main Author: Champdoizeau, Maurice A.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1975
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/7494/; https://research.library.mun.ca/7494/1/Champdoizeau_MauriceA.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/7494/3/Champdoizeau_MauriceA.pdf

The main purpose of this study is to examine the historical development of the teaching of French in the schools of Newfoundland in order to offer an historical picture and to establish the foundations for a better teaching of French in the future. -- The study is divided into four chronological periods: -- 1. The period prior to 1894 characterized mainly by denominational initiative in matters of curriculum. -- The period from 1894 to 1931 - a period of educational uniformity under the control of the Council of Higher Education. -- 3. The period from 1932 to 1963 - a period of recession, reorganization and shifting in objectives on second language learning. -- 4. The period from 1964 to 1974 - a period when “traditional” programmes were gradually replaced by more “modern” approaches with special emphasis on learning French for purposes of communication. -- Furthermore, a questionnaire distributed in 1974 gathered broad and general knowledge on French programmes used in the schools, Teacher Qualifications, Facilities, and Teacher Evaluation. -- In view of the findings, recommendations were made for possible improvements in the teaching of French in Newfoundland in the following areas: -- 1. Teacher qualifications -- 2. Curriculum -- 3. Examinations -- 4. Facilities -- 5. Time allotment -- 6. Bilingualism and biculturalism.