Je ne sais pas! Understanding French Language Anxiety in Grade 4-8 Classrooms

My research explores French Language Anxiety (FL anxiety) among students in Grades 4-8, and examines the ways in which it can affect student acquisition and achievement while in FL learning environments. Specifically, the research looks at the ways in which FL anxiety can affect students academically, socially, cognitively, behaviourally, personally, and in their communication competency while learning French. In addition to this, the research investigates how teachers come to recognize FL anxiety in their students, and how they can support these students to help them reach their highest potentials in FL programs. In order to collect data for this research, I consulted a variety of rich sources which offered various perspectives on the topic. I began with a literature review, focusing on qualitative research studies conducted in FL learning environments. Next, I conducted three semi-structured interviews with Grade 4-8 French teachers from the Toronto District School Board in order to gather first-hand information from experienced educators. My research has uncovered many causes of FL Anxiety in the classroom, as well as how it can affect students, and has identified the best practices that teachers can use to support students who experience this anxiety. Research on FL anxiety has become increasingly important as it has an impact on students’ motivation to pursue FL education beyond middle school. By being aware of FL anxiety, educators can be better prepared to explore how to better recognize, accommodate and support students who experience it