Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 33 (1976) ► pp.1–25
A Large Scale Program in French Immersion
The Ottawa Study Through Grade Three
Published online: 1 January 1976
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.33.01swa
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.33.01swa
Abstract
The school performance of pupils in Grades 1-3 of the French immersion program in operation in Ottawa public schools is evaluated in comparison with that of pupils in the regular English program. By the end of Grade I immersion program pupils taught reading in French lag behind their peers in the regular program in English language skills involving English reading, but they show some ability to transfer reading skills from French to English. By the end of Grade 2, following the introduction of English Language Arts into the curriculum for 60 minutes a day, immersion pupils still lag behind their regular program peers in most English language skills considered, although their level of performance is consistent with their grade level. By the end of Grade 3, immersion pupils match regular program pupils in all English language skills tested except spelling. At each grade level pupils in the two programs perform equivalently in mathematical skills and reveal similar IQ measures. Immersion pupils are more proficient in French than pupils of corresponding or higher grade levels receiving daily instruction in French as a second language, and do adequately in comparison with native French-speaking pupils.
References (10)
Barik, H.C., & Swain, M. Three-year evaluation of a large scale early grade French immersion program: The Ottawa study. Language Learning, 1975, 251, 1–30.
Bruck, M., Lambert, W.E., & Tucker, G.R. Bilingual schooling through the elementary grades: The St. Lambert Project at grade seven. Language Learning 1974, 241, 183–204.
Carroll, J.B., The Teaching of French as a Foreign Language in Eight Countries. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1975.
Cohen, A.D., The Culver City Spanish immersion program: The first two years. The Modern Language Journal, 1974, 581, 95–103.
Edwards, H.P., & Casserly, M.C., Research and Evaluation of Second Language Programs: 1971-72. Annual Report. Ottawa: The Ottawa Roman Catholic Separate School Board, 1972.
, Evaluation of Second Language Programs in the English Schools: Annual Report 1972-73. Ottawa: The Ottawa Roman Catholic Separate School Board, 1973.
Lambert, W.E., An experimental French school for English children. ITL, A Review of Applied Linguistics, 1971, 111, 25–30.
Lambert, W.E., & Tucker, G.R., Bilingual Education of Children The St. Lambert Experiment. Rowley, Mass.: Newbury House Publishers, 1972.