Intensive French strategies
Intensive French is neurolinguistic approach to teaching and learning a second language conceived by Claude Germain and Joan Netten which is grounded in the research of Michel Paradis and Vygotsky. Netten and Germaine believe that all successful communication is composed of two elements, implicit competence and explicit knowledge. The neurolinguistic approach asserts that frequent use of oral language is necessary for students to develop the implicit competences needed for communication (Paradis, 2009, as cited in Netten & Germain, 2012). Implicit competence is the non-conscious ability to use language forms in authentic oral communication. Explicit knowledge in a second language is knowledge of the vocabulary, verb forms and grammar rules needed for written composition. The combination of the development of implicit competence and explicit knowledge are required for successful communication when learning a second language (Netten & Germain, 2012). The following PowerPoint Presentation was created by Ruth Radetzky with the Calgary Board of Education and briefly describes the background research and the steps to incorporate Intensive French strategies in French immersion.
(Shared with permission from Ruth Radetzky)