In this assignment, write in French or in English. For this, you will look back on your experiences and work within the course, discussing what you have learned and how. (You can refer to your weekly journals).

1. Please answer the following questions and support your answers with pictures, written work or anything that may persuade your instructor that your work meets the objectives of this course. The course objectives are as follows:

• You should be able to expand, in conversation and in written form, on the basic concepts learned in introductory French.
• You should be able to talk about yourself and your preferences, needs, and interests in simple French.
• You should be able to identify and incorporate the grammar and vocabulary presented in the textbook in oral and written form.
• You should be able to discuss some cultural topics in French, presented in the text and in assignments concerning the francophone world.

Outcome

What did you learn from this course besides grammar and vocabulary? Did you start viewing things from a different perspective? Use specific examples.

One thing that I found incredibly interesting were the differences in the school systems between France and the United States.  While students in both countries attend school for the same amount of time, it seems that students in France receive a much more rigorous education and leave compulsory school much more prepared for higher education than American students.

I also realized that learning grammar in a foreign language requires knowing the grammar of one’s native language.  I ran into difficulties because, while I knew what correct English grammar sounded like, I didn’t always know the rules of why it was correct.  Knowing some of the advanced grammar of English I think would have helped me learn some of the advanced grammar in French.

Experience

What are your personal experiences outside the course activities/assignments that relate to what you have learned in this course? How do they meaningfully connect in some way to the knowledge or skill set you gained from this course? Use specific examples.

As a matter of fact, after I complete French 202 in the fall I will be able to serve as a French interpreter for Boy Scouts of America within our own local council.  After I complete the four semesters, I will have met the requirements needed for that certification.  This would allow the Scouts in our unit to connect with French-speaking Scouts from around the world and expand their cultural literacy as they participate in various Scouting activities.

Transfer

Can you apply information or skills you have learned through the course work to a situation outside of this course, such as your relationships with others? What would it be and why? Use specific examples.

I am a very shy and introverted person by nature.  The interaction and communication with others required in learning a foreign language have forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with other people in a way that I would not have before.  My self-confidence has increased, not just in the classroom but outside the classroom as well.  My older son is also learning French in school, so he and I have been able to spend time together as I help him practice, and gives us a special way of communicating that no one else around us knows.  That has been pretty fun.