The design, implementation, and evaluation of a French immersion weekend

The design, implementation, and evaluation of a French language weekend immersion experience are described. The weekend camp had the goals of total Immersion in the foreign language, exposure to authentic culture, meaningful group Interaction for the high school students involved, and Increased interest in foreign language study. The foreign language camp incorporated current theories of second language learning, such as those of Krashen, Asher, and Terrell Into the selection of activities and the method of their presentation to campers. Literature was reviewed on student factors involved in learning and recent trends in instruction. The camp was planned with attention given to cognitive, affective, and interpersonal variables. The Foreign Language Attitude Questionnaire administered before the camp found that campers enjoyed the language, experienced strong instruction, sought to experience the foreign culture, but felt anxious when speaking. Pre- and post-camp administration on of the Pimsleur Modern Language Proficiency Test study indicated that oral proficiency was improved by the campers; however, a control group also made gains, thus making it difficult to attribute gain to the camp. From results on a teacher-made evaluation questionnaire, nevertheless, students did report increased oral proficiency and greater confidence in speaking. Post-camp interviews with teachers and students revealed that the weekend immersion was a success