Blog 1

Improving French Grammar and Fluency

My challenge: I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of International Studies program at the university of Queensland and majoring in French. This component of my degree is proving to be challenging and therefore it is in my best interest to undertake this language learning challenge. I studied French in primary school and junior high school, however after a couple of years not practicing the language I am back at a beginner level and ready to improve. While I am able to do the basics (e.g. Greeting/likes and dislikes etc.) I would like to reinforce it and improve my grammar as well as my listening comprehension in the process.

                   

My Learning goal: My learning goal for the language learning challenge is, as previously mentioned, to improve my grammar and listening comprehension skills to a point where I feel comfortable talking in French to members of my French university course.

My learning styles and strategies: I am a visual learner as well as a kinaesthetic learner and find that I acquire information more effectively when I can see it in front of me and do it myself. This intertwines with the learning strategies of which I am intending on using, I’m of the opinion that it would be in my best interest to study regularly but in short bursts as this ties directly to effective strategy for the kinaesthetic learner.

                      

The technologies I am going to test: I have already had the pleasure of trying and using a multitude of digital platforms to assist me with French language learning, however have never utilised platforms such as streaming services (Netflix, YouTube etc.). I feel that this technology will be the most useful in developing listening skills. As well as this, for grammar improvement I will try Duolingo for an extended period of time, I have used it before but only briefly before the break from French.

My plan: My learning plan consists of learning as much as I can about the chosen technologies in order to be able to use them as effectively as possible. As well as using the platforms, I’m going to use old-fashioned pen and paper to write down and reinforce what I’ve learnt from the variety of platforms. There will be a lot of repetition and writing as I find that this works best for me.

My evaluation approach: In a general sense I will evaluate myself in the form of how comfortable I am speaking French during the workshops. More specifically I will utilise the testing system in Duolingo and just practice, practice, practice until there are tangible results.