FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to be really good in French in order to take and succeed in F251?
- How will this class help me?
- How will my participation benefit the community?
- What kind of credit will I get for this course, and how much will it cost?
- I'm interested! How do I sign up?
- What is an ACE?
- How do I get to the schools?
- Does this count towards the French major or minor?
- Are only F250 students eligible to enroll in F251?
- When is the class coordinator Kelly Sax available?
- What teaching times are available?
- How many kids will I be teaching and what ages?
Do I have to be really good in French in order to take and succeed in F251?
No! This course is open to anyone enrolled in F250 and above with an interest in exploring this kind of community service. The lessons you will design involve basic French vocabulary. You will receive guidance from your instructor in lesson plan development as well as pronunciation support. F250 students who participated in a similar service learning project during fall 2005 and spring 2006 were virtually unanimous in saying that the experience was a good one, that they enjoyed working with the children, and found it valuable.
How will this class help me?
This service learning project is designed to benefit you in several ways. First, it is well-known that in order to teach a skill, we must become very familiar with the content to be taught ourselves. Teaching French to children will directly help you reinforce and refine your own language skills. Second, employers increasingly expect and require "real life" experience of potential job candidates. Although you may not be planning to work in education, this project will expose you to the challenges of one type of workplace, and help you gain an appreciation for issues and problems beyond the "ivory tower". Perhaps some of you will even discover that you have an affinity for teaching or the educational environment! Finally, as citizens of a community (including local, national, and global communities), it is everyone's responsibility to contribute to making our communities better and stronger places for all of us. This project gives you experience in civic responsibility, and a point of reference for future volunteer or community service work.
How will my participation benefit the community?
Research suggests that foreign language learning is most beneficial and successful in the long run if children are exposed to it early, before the onset of puberty. Additionally, exposure to foreign language brings with it an expanded awareness of foreign cultures and geography, a critical component of a basic education in our increasingly global economy. Unfortunately, due often to budget constraints, many elementary schools are unable to hire language teachers. Consequently many children do not have the opportunity to encounter foreign language until high school, if at all. In this respect, you will provide an invaluable service to the community by exposing children to a foreign language early on and, importantly, by providing French language teaching materials (i.e. childrens' books, language lessons) at little-to-no cost to the schools.
What kind of credit will I get for this course, and how much will it cost?
If you are registered for 12-16 hours and add this credit, there is no charge. You will receive an additional hour of College elective credit that counts toward your degree and helps in the accumulation of total hours. If you are taking fewer than 12 hours or already have 17 hours, enrolling in F251 will require you pay additional tuition. If you wish to participate in the project but do not want to pay for the extra one credit, contact Dr. Kelly Sax (ksax @indiana.edu) to ask about other options.
I'm interested! How do I sign up?
Complete the online application and submit it to Dr. Kelly Sax (ksax@indiana.edu)
What is an ACE?
Each community partner organization (in this case, the schools we will be working with) works with a liaison person ("ACE" - Advocates for Community Engagement) hired and trained by the IU COPSL office to facilitate IU Service Learning Projects.
You will coordinate your school visits with the ACE representing the school you choose to work at.
How do I get to the schools?
You are responsible for making arrangements for getting to your school on your own. Templeton is located just south of Bryan Park. Fairview is located just west of the downtown courthouse square. A motivated student could walk or consult the bus schedule.
Does this count towards the French major or minor?
No, the class counts towards general elective credit.
Are only F250 students eligible to enroll in F251?
No, students must be at the F250 level or higher.
When is the class coordinator Kelly Sax available?
During office hours and through email.
What teaching times are available?
approximately 3:15-4:30 on Fridays and some Wednesday mornings
How many kids will I be teaching and what ages?
Variable; elementary levels K-6
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