Peer Review

Stratégies d'écriture dans la formation spécifique

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Reviewed:: Jun 2, 2015 by World Languages

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Conceived as a series of ten independent components, this site provides teaching and learning material for advanced French learners. Each component is divided in four larger sections which cover: general information, challenges and strategies, review, activities and a variety of examples. This site is a comprehensive aid to those who seek the proper formats and protocols for documents written in the French language. Many non-native French speakers will welcome such a reference tool before drafting a professional communication in French.
Type of Material:: Very good resource for individualized, self-paced study of writing strategies. Can be used as tutorial and as an online module for intermediate and advanced users. Each activity is contextualized and is geared toward written communication with feedback on correct and wrong answers on writing resumes and cover letters, conducting research, evaluating sources, and writing research papers. The section "Zone profs" provides detailed information on teaching strategies.
Recommended Uses:: This is a very good resource for in-class and independent or online use.It could also be integrated in writing development modules as well as used for Teaching assistants who facilitate writing seminars or tutorials for college students who plan to continue their studies in French. This site would be appropriate for advanced level students of French and to Francophone individuals who want to review communication protocols.
Technical Requirements:: Internet
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The primary goal is to improve writing skills while focusing on writing for specific academic and professional purposes. The examples provided for each writing format will allow intermediate and advanced French language users to easily adapt to their preferred written format.
Target Student Population:: Intermediate and advanced high-school, college and university students or independent users who aim to develop their writing skills.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Ability to read and write in French at the intermediate level. Knowledge of academic terminology in French. Advanced French writing proficiency would be a plus.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The materials are comprehensive and cover several formats related to writing. It consists of 5 units designed for professional use (l’argumentaire de projet, le curriculum vitæ, le document d’informations techniques, la lettre professionnelle, le rapport d’intervention) and 5 units for academic purposes (le compte rendu critique, le rapport de laboratoire, le rapport de recherche, le rapport de stage, le résumé). The section "Zone Profs" provides clear and concise information with facilitator notes on using the resources and teaching writing in various genres. It can be very helpful for teachers who want to use authentic materials in order to put into practice written language concepts explained previously; it also includes tips on how to prepare, assess, revise and practise written skills.
Concerns:: None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The two sections provide very good materials. They engage both teachers and students through their clear, concise approach and provide helpful resources for self-correction. The hand-outs are categorized effectively and they can be used independently by students.
Concerns:: None.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: Faculty members can use the materials at this site to support in class or online, independent activities. The handouts are easy to use and are available as pdf files that are printable. Students who have difficulty with specific writing formats can be directed to areas within the site to help them address specific problems with their writing. The examples provided for each writing format can be integrated in online writing units to be used for a variety of intermediate and advanced French language courses which focus on developing writing skills.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: "Stratégies d'écriture dans la formation spécifique" is geared towards written communication and is designed for teachers who plan to focus on writing as a way to develop their students’ learning and thinking skills necessary to academic and professional life. It enables faculty members to refer students to the site and thus provide individualized help through the independent exploration of activities, according to specific needs. In addition, the examples provided will allow students to develop their own written work independently and self-assess their writing for the purpose of creating professional portfolios in French.
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