Resources

Resources are an indispensable life-line to teachers, providing essential support and enrichment for their educational endeavours. We are constantly on the lookout for high-quality information in a variety of media formats, including books, articles, videos, and interactive tools, to share with our members. These resources help educators stay informed, inspired, and equipped with the latest teaching strategies and knowledge, ensuring they can offer the best possible learning experiences to their students. By curating and disseminating these valuable materials, we aim to foster a community of well-supported and continually growing educators.

BCATML Workshops for Teachers

The BCATML offers Professional Development for its members upon request. If you would like to request one of the following workshops, please send a request to psac51@bctf.ca including the name of the workshop that you would like presented, proposed dates, and in which city you would like it to be presented. The BCATML requests that your school district cover any TTOC costs for the presenter(s) and/or honorarium for the presenter(s) before requesting any of the workshops below:

Teaching Introductory French with Confidence

Elementary Core French - Grade 5-7

In this new world of on-line, blended and in-person learning there is a way to teach Elementary Core French in a gentle way to support your students.
No matter your own level of French fluency, I will share with you some of my ideas of how to include French learning that you can present to your students tomorrow.
There will also be space to hear from one another as we are all in this together.

Strategies for maximizing participation in language classes

Intermediate Elementary and High School second language teachers

If you are looking for a more student centred language class, there are strategies to give the students the opportunity to speak and write most of the time. These strategies involve using the same kinds of activities you currently do but changing the way the activities are structured. Some of the strategies are well known but others offer a fresh approach.

Fostering a Growth Mindset with Standards-based Assessment and Reflection

Mandarin / English – Grade 8-12

How do we shift from primarily assessing students’ knowledge of discrete grammar and vocabulary to one that aims for authentic communicative performance and lifelong learning? Which rubrics, assessment tools, instructions, and practices can inspire and motivate learners to express themselves in the target language and develop their critical thinking skills along their journey to acquiring a new language? This workshop attempts to rejuvenate standards-based assessment and reflection by sharing classroom practices and learner samples, and offer hands-on activities to experience and reflect on how assessments can impact current practices. Participates will take home some useful materials and strategies to develop an action plan.

Using Inquiry-based Language Learning Process to Inspire, Engage and Transfer

Mandarin / English – Grade 8-12

If you are looking for ways to engage and inspire learners in language learning and cultural exploration, come to this session to experience the advantages of employing an inquiry language-learning process for empowering language proficiency and cultural understanding. This presentation focuses on infusing cultural understanding and appreciation into Mandarin learning and covers the following:
1) Effective strategies through practical and interactive learner-centered activities to make language learning and cultural understanding more relevant, authentic, and meaningful in real lives.
2) Various resources found in daily teaching materials, online and from the local community.
3) A demo activity to try out the inquiry-based approach of integrating cultural components into the process of language teaching and learning.

Educational resources Archive

Educational Resources:

Want to Share Your Resources?

If you would like to share any resources you have created or sites you think would support your colleagues, we would love to post them here. Please contact our webmaster to have yours uploaded here for teachers to download freely.

Teacher sites for education resources:

British Columbia Council of Teachers of German (BCCTG)– Your go-to site for professional development, and much more, made available to all educators teaching German in B.C. (free)
TeachBC – Your go-to site for BC teaching resources (free)
BCATML Facebook – a public Facebook group for teachers to share resources, announcements, and to network together (free)
K-12 Education Resources Facebook – a public Facebook group for teachers to share resources and network together (free)
BC Teachers COVID-19 Support Group Facebook – a private group for BC teachers to share ideas, questions & answers (free)
French Teachers in BC Facebook – a public Facebook group for teachers to share resources and collaborate together (free)
OneSchoolRoom – public website with links to online resources for Core French grades 5-7 tied to BC’s curriculum (free)
CASLT/ACPLS Facebook – a public Facebook group for teachers to share resources and to network together (free)
J’enseigne en immersion française Facebook – a private Facebook group for teachers to share resources & network. (free)

Educational resources for language teachers:

More resources coming soon!

Curriculum Info:

BC’s redesigned second languages curricula are now online!

All curricula for Kindergarten to Grade 12 are now fully implemented and mandatory.

The Languages Curriculum Writing Teams thank you for your constructive feedback that has helped to shape and redefine the curriculum for all second languages.

Second Languages Curriculum for Grades 5-12:

The latest version of the redesigned second languages curricula for Grades 5-12 has been completed. The Ministry of Education has posted the following curricula on their website. Click on the second language below to view its entire curriculum.

American Sign Language

The Languages Template:

The Ministry of Education has updated the Languages Template development package to assist school districts and independent school authorities who wish to develop language education programs for which there is local interest, such as Arabic, Croatian, and Russian (among many others). BCATML played an important role in redesigning the Language Template to make it more manageable and efficient for the development of other language curricula. The Language Template has been updated to align with BC’s new curriculum and the updated streamlined version is now available and can be found by clicking on the link below:

Languages Template | Building Student Success – B.C. Curriculum (gov.bc.ca)
https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/languages-template

Curriculum Redesign History:

The Ministry of Education began redesigning the second languages curricula in the fall of 2014 to the Know, Do, Understand (KDU) framework. Over the next five years, BCATML played a pivotal role in redesigning the curricula for American Sign Language, Core French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Spanish. As well, BCATML was successful in advocating for the creation of Introductory Language 11 courses for all languages, including Core French and re-designing the Languages Template for those languages without a ministerial curriculum.

BCATML is still pushing for reforms to the Language Education Policy as well as the creation of a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) companion document to be used with all existing second languages curricula.

Click here to read more about the curriculum redesign history.

Post-Secondary Language Programs:

BCAMTL has consolidated all post-secondary institutions within British Columbia which offer world language studies. We thank members of the Standing Committee On Language Articulation (SCOLA) who have helped to keep this one-page resource current and up to date.

Be sure to visit and plan your future studies at one of British Columbia’s award-winning post-secondary institutions below!

Alexander College
(Burnaby and Vancouver)
www.alexandercollege.ca

Languages offered: French, Spanish, and Asian studies.

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?

“It’s fun, interactive and with a focus on learning about real-life situations and scenarios, as well as culture.”

Camosun College
(Victoria)
www.camosun.ca

Languages offered: American Sign Language, English as a Second Language, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

Capilano University
(North Vancouver)
www.capilanou.ca

Languages offered: Chinese, First Nation Languages (Lil’wat, Sechelt, Squamish), French, Japanese, Linguistics, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Capilano’s model includes lectures, conversations, and assignments in the multimedia lab. As part of a small class, students will learn in a way that mimics the acquisition of their mother tongue – in an intimate setting using culturally relevant material. Students will practice newly learned material with a native speaker through weekly conversation classes. Professors use a communicative approach towards their instruction including a classroom course, conversation class, and online resource work which allows students to make friends easily because students learn how to communicate with their newly learned languages in and outside classes. A real life experience through our language learning programs is possible!”

Corpus Christi College
(Vancouver)
www.corpuschristi.ca

Languages offered: Mandarin, Spanish

Kwantlen Polytechnic University
(Cloverdale, Langley, Richmond, Surrey)
www.kpu.ca

Languages offered: Culture Studies, French, Japanese, Linguistics, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“KPU offers small class sizes to optimize student participation and provides conversation labs for first and second year language courses which provide individual attention and support. The faculty is composed of dedicated and experienced members with diverse backgrounds. KPU is committed to providing a rewarding learning experience through student-centered teaching styles.”

Student testimonial:
“My experience learning Japanese and French at KPU was the most positive experience I could have ever hoped for. When I started taking language courses at KPU, I wasn’t really sure of what I was doing with my life. Sure I was following a typical path that could guarantee “success” in life, I did not feel passionate about it. However, when I started taking language courses at KPU, it was like a whole new world opened up to me. I gained great knowledge and perspective I could never have considered. Taking language courses at KPU didn’t only make me a better and more confident person, it allowed me to make connections and life-long friendships with people who I [would] have missed completely had I not bother to learn a language. In the future, I plan to continue my pursuit in learning different languages and I have KPU’s language department to thank for helping me find what I am truly passionate about.”

Okanagan College
(Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Vernon)
www.okanagan.bc.ca

Languages offered: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

Selkirk College
(Castlegar, Grand Forks, Nelson, Trail)
www.selkirk.ca

Languages offered: French, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Selkirk College offers beginner, intermediate and advanced French and Spanish language courses in either an on-line interactive format or face-to-face.”

Thompson Rivers University
(Kamloops, Williams Lake)
www.tru.ca

Regional Centres in 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Barriere, Cache Creek, Clearwater, Lillooet, Lytton

Languages offered: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Language classes at TRU are small, allowing maximum speaking and practice opportunities for rapid skill development. The department makes full use of a state-of-the-art language lab as well as using many on-line tools and apps to help learners quickly develop a new identity in the language of their choice.”

University of British Columbia
(Vancouver)
www.ubc.ca

Languages offered: Arabic, Cantonese, Catalan, Chinese, Danish, First Nations and Endangered Languages, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi-Urdu, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Salish (Musqueam, hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓), Sanskrit, South Asian languages, Spanish, Swedish, Tibetan languages, Wakashan (Kwak̓wala).

** It is advised to contact an undergraduate advisor, not the Department Chair, for information regarding language courses. An advisor can be found using the links below.

FHIS Advisors: https://fhis.ubc.ca/group/advisors/

CENES Advisors: https://cenes.ubc.ca/group/advisors/

Asian Studies Advisors: asia.undergrad@ubc.ca

First Nations and Endangered Languages Program:
FNEL Advisors: fnel.arts@ubc.ca

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“UBC’s language course offerings are for students at many levels of language proficiency and understanding. Programs are designed to enhance active communication skills, solid grammatical training, and to develop an appreciation of many different cultures. Their language courses promote lively, inclusive environments in which to learn a new language or to improve your skills.”

University of Northern British Columbia
(Prince George)
www.unbc.ca

Languages offered: French, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“UNBC’s Global and International Studies program is very interdisciplinary and allows you to learn from many different subject areas as you navigate the curriculum’s four themes: environment and sustainability; cultures and diversity; governance and social justice; and political economy and development. You will become conversant with the world around you and the challenges that we all face. Our new capstone course enables you work in a small group with a faculty member to bring everything together at the end of your program. Along the way, you will also have become proficient in a language other than English with your choice of Spanish, Japanese, or French.”

Columbia College
(Vancouver)
www.columbiacollege.ca

Languages offered: French, Spanish

Coquitlam College
(Coquitlam, Surrey)
www.coquitlamcollege.com

Languages offered: French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

Douglas College
(Coquitlam, New Westminster)
www.douglascollege.ca

Languages offered: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Douglas offers beginner to advanced courses in five languages. Students will learn in a hands-on environment with experienced and enthusiastic instructors. Our courses have a communicative approach and include an additional conversation lab with only 8 people, so students start speaking and learning about the culture from the first day.“

Langara College
(Vancouver)
www.langara.ca

Languages offered: Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Langara College offers language courses in a relatively smaller setting. Depending on the semester, language students may have the opportunity to participate in language clubs.”

Student testimonial:
“I started studying French in October, 2013 when I was still living in Brazil because of my plan to immigrate to Quebec. However, I fell in love with the language and even though I ended up moving to Vancouver two years ago, where French is not widely spoken, I decided to continue studying this beautiful language. I’m sincerely grateful for having my dedication to French studies recognized. Receiving the French Faculty Scholarship makes it all worthwhile, it motivates me to continue to work hard and assures me that all my efforts will pay off. I greatly appreciate the encouragement and the opportunity provided by my French instructor.”

Quest University
(Squamish)
www.questu.ca

Languages offered: Chinese, French, Greek, Latin, Spanish

Simon Fraser University
(Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver)
www.sfu.ca

Languages offered: French, Italian

Language Training Institutes in: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Japanese, Persian (Farsi), Punjabi, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Under the guidance of expert instructors using innovative methods, students engage in extensive practice with the essentials of language and gain insight into the cultures of those language communities.”

Trinity Western University
(Langley, Richmond)
www.twu.ca

Languages offered: Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“At TWU, language instruction is embedded in the context of culture: students gain greater cultural awareness, while acquiring both oral and written skills. Small class sizes and passionate professors allow for an exceptional amount of classroom interaction.”

University of British Columbia Okanagan
(Kelowna)

https://ok.ubc.ca

Languages offered: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“All languages can reach level B1 – and can lead to a World literatures concentration. Strong focus on intercultural experience. Interdisciplinary approach with the Creative studies department (performance, visual arts, creative writing).”

University of the Fraser Valley
(Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Mission)
www.ufv.ca/mola

Languages offered: French, German, Halq’méylem, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“UFV’s language studies department offers a French major, minor, extended minor, as well as intermediate and advanced language proficiency certificates in French, Halq’eméylem, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, German, and Spanish.”

University of Victoria (Victoria)
www.uvic.ca/humanities

Languages offered: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Indigenous Language Revitalization, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian,

General inquiries: send email to humsoff@uvic.ca

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“Our programs explore everything from the structure of languages around the world, to how language is organized in our minds and how best to teach languages.”

Vancouver Island University
(Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville-Qualicum, Powell River,)
www.viu.ca

Languages offered: French, Hul’qu’mi’mum, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

What is it like to learn languages at this campus?
“We offer small classes and a friendly atmosphere, most of our instructors are also native speakers so that students learn not only language but culture, our strong ties with International education provide opportunities for more cultural exchange on campus and off .”

Research & Reports:

The State of French Second Language Education in Canada (2018)

In 2018, Canadian Parents for French released The State of French-Second-Language Education in Canada. The 2017 edition published provided an in-depth examination of FSL students who participate in various FSL programs (core, extended, intensive and immersion) across Canada. The current edition focuses on teachers, while the upcoming 2019 edition will shine the spotlight on FSL programs.

This report reviews the research in the current millennium relating to FSL teaching and teachers, both preservice and inservice. Areas emphasized for teacher professional development include inclusive pedagogy, CEFR-informed teaching practices, digital literacies and attitudes towards English language learners (ELLs). The review highlighted a need for studies of FSL teacher proficiency and acknowledged a welcome trend involving teacher-led research where teachers are viewed as experts and knowledge creators.

Four regional updates from across Canada on research topics of interest to CPF stakeholders are presented: FSL teacher supply and demand, issues relating to core French in western Canada, a professional language portfolio as a tool for reflective practice, and the potential of the CEFR to support FSL teachers.

the-state-of-french-second-language-education-in-canada-2018.pdf

Download File

Teaching Core French in British Columbia: Teachers’ Perspectives (2007)

In 2007 Dr. Wendy Carr, former BCATML president, conducted the largest study (n=823) of core French teachers in BC to explore their teaching context, background and experience, the support they receive, and preferred forms of professional development. The survey was based largely on the instrument used in a similar national study of FSL teachers (Lapkin, MacFarlane, & Vandergrift, 2006). In some cases, the results of the national and provincial studies were similar; however, there were some key differences, particularly at the elementary and middle years levels. The pressing challenges for BC core French teachers identified in this study were how to achieve provincial learning outcomes given the limited instructional time and low value allocated to core French, and generally low levels of teacher language proficiency and background in core French methodology.

cfinbc2007.pdf

Download File

TeachBC:

The BC Teachers’ Federation has launched TeachBC, a website and online database for BCTF members to share teaching resources relevant to the BC K-12 curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to help us build this resource by uploading teaching materials, lessons, and research. Visit https://teachbcdb.bctf.ca/ for more information and upload what you have to share!

VISIT TEACHBC’S DATABASE

Second Language Indigenous Resources:

Aboriginal Ways of Knowing and Being Posters:

BCATML has translated the BC Teachers’ Federation Aboriginal Ways of Knowing and Being posters into French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Spanish. These posters were distributed to teachers at the Celebrating Languages Conference (2018) and were heralded by many. Teachers have found them to be very helpful; so much so that these Indigenous principles are actually changing how many second language teachers teach in the classroom. They have allowed teachers to explore and discuss Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing with their students, authentically. We invite teachers to download these posters and use them as a springboard to explore Indigenous perspectives with their students. To download, click on the image of the poster for a PDF version in 11×17 format.