The role and remit of Foreign Language Assistants

Clearly, different teachers in different establishments will have different ideas about what is to be expected of an Assistant (FLA).

There should, however, be a general acceptance of the principles which underpin the general role of the FLA, and I would offer the following guidelines:

The general role of an FLA is to

*          engage pupils’ interest in foreign language learning

*          motivate pupils to extend their school-based knowledge of languages

*          show there is a practical point to learning a language – that it is not simply an academic pursuit

*          encourage pupils to put in to practice that which they have learned, and feel more at ease with FL use

*          enable pupils to deal with practical situations, and also allow pupils to develop and express their own ideas and opinions, and build the ability to communicate those ideas

*          provide background knowledge of other cultures and civilisations (perhaps unwittingly!)

*          inspire their pupils!

How do you achieve this?

Assistants        

*        will work with teachers in one or more secondary schools as requested by the base school;

 *       will work in class or with groups of students to improve the attainment of pupils from Sl to S6;

 *       will have a key role in the preparation and delivery of Bains de Langue and other immersion events if arranged;

*        will assist with the updating of class materials within the department, particularly with resources for speaking and listening;

 *       may be asked to assist with planning for and participation in the Rencontre Théatrale programme arranged with l'Institut Français;

*        may be asked to occasionally support the delivery of French in primary schools associated with the secondary school.

In the classroom – some suggestions:

Support the teacher, giving pupils practical examples of what the teacher has been preparing with the class. You may ask pupils to prepare short talks about themselves or another topic. You could then ask other pupils to answer questions on these talks (in the FL!), or you could invite pupils to question one another, conduct mini interviews on a prepared topic, or do a role-play/dialogue with a few pupils.

Use film clips – listening comprehension (questions prepared in advance), preparation for a discursive essay/review (provide vocabulary), preparation for a speaking exercise on reaction to various characters/themes/personal reaction (provide vocabulary)

Use songs (musicals?) – discuss general impression, study words (translation, fill in blanks on sheet), sing along.

Discuss aspects of life in another culture – school, family, sport, politics, religion, cinema etc., etc. You could personalise the discussion with personal anecdotes, inviting response and comparison. Remember you are the cultural representative of your nation!

Use games to lighten atmosphere and inject some fun – 20 questions, alibi, board games, word searches, puzzles, riddles, quizzes.

Approach

As an Assistant, you can afford to adopt a friendlier approach than some teachers – different status.

Prepare thoroughly – guide pupils through an activity, having thought it through, though also be willing to depart from your prepared lesson in response to what is said or done.

Use a variety of topics and approaches, and respond to pupils’ reaction. Ask for suggestions for future activities (while retaining control!).

Participate in school activities.

Teaching – inquire about lesson structure.

Discipline – keep order, but refer problems to the teacher. You are part of a team!

Make the most of your time here! Have fun!