A classroom at Borders College in Galashiels was turned into a French café for evening students as one of the fun, interactive ways that French is being taught. As well as the French ambience, the students also enjoyed helpings of crepes-suzette as part of the lesson.
Kath Lothian has been teaching at Borders College for six years and, as in all her lessons, the language is learned in a holistic way, with the culture and way of life forming an integral part of the lesson and being interwoven through the learning of corresponding vocabulary, grammar and phrases.
Kath commented: “A simulation of real-life scenarios in France quickly develop the learners’ skills in French in an enjoyable, relevant way. These are ideal courses for anyone who is planning to take a trip to France on holiday or on business, have a second home in France, or for anyone simply wanting to learn the culture and language.”
Students took turns to be the café owner and then the customer – practising asking and answering the questions and sampling the food at the same time. The layout of food was also used for an activity when two teams were timed to label the food with the correct French name.
Kath added: “French guest Amandine thought the idea was superb and loved being a guest. She enjoyed the atmosphere and couldn’t believe how well everyone did for beginners.”
Kath also links her lessons to the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence as they are suited to primary school teachers, who are counted amongst Kath’s students, and who are supported in developing the language to educate their pupils.
Kath’s language courses, including visual auditory and kinaesthetic methodologies, are designed to suit all learning styles and levels, and progression is catered for by the offer of tailor-made continuing classes.
Kath also lectured in German, and German classes would be run in exactly the same structure as the French classes. Classes will soon be scheduled at Duns as well as those currently running at Galashiels
For more information call Borders College on 01450 361035 or visit our www.borderscollege.ac.uk.