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Exploring Reflexivity and Multilingualism in Three French Language Teacher Education Programs.

Authors :
Clark, Julie Byrd
Vanthuyne, Adrienne
Mady, Callie
Source :
Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics / Revue Canadiennne de Linguistique Appliquée. 2014, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p129-155. 27p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

What does it mean to be and become a bi/multilingual and multicultural language teacher in today's plurilingual times? This paper reports on the perspectives of multilingual student teachers as they pertain to the development of multilingual repertoires for the teacher candidates themselves and for these teacher candidates' future French language learners. Globally, initiatives are often directed at language teachers to contribute to producing effective human capital (Byram, 2010); however, awareness in the field of French language pedagogy (FLP) appears relatively unexplored beyond the local contexts. This paper illuminates the significance of developing reflexivity (Aull Davies, 2010; Byrd Clark & Dervin, 2014) for future language teachers and researchers through a multimodal, sociolinguistic approach incorporating new technologies by drawing upon data gathered through online, interactive discussion groups and semistructured interviews. The findings illustrate how certain representations of languages, identities, learning, and teaching are constructed and negotiated in these new spaces, and simultaneously challenge traditional (monolithic) ways of teaching and researching in FLP. This work has implications for all those involved in language and multicultural education as it invites researchers to reflect upon their own engagements as well as how to create conditions for the inclusion of multilingual repertoires in Canadian classrooms and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1481868X
Volume :
17
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics / Revue Canadiennne de Linguistique Appliquée
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
112502969