Learning Resources

The fundamental aim of this curriculum is to enable students to communicate in French. The approach the curriculum advocates focuses on the purposeful use of the language to perform real-life tasks, share ideas, acquire information, and enhance the understanding of culture. The kinds of learning resources available for students to use while learning the language are vital to achieving this aim and implementing this approach.

In order to help students achieve communication goals and carry out authentic tasks while learning French, learning resources should include authentic materials that reflect the language at work in daily life. The term realia is often used to describe such resources, which could include newspapers, magazines, web sites, information about entertainment, business, employment, food, holidays and celebrations, and artworks and artifacts reflecting the culture of Francophone communities. Community resource persons can enhance language acquisition and provide opportunities to communicate in French.

Selected Resources

The Ministry of Education promotes the establishment of a resource-rich learning environment of educationally appropriate materials intended for use by teachers and students. The media formats include, but are not limited to, materials in print, video, and digital resources, as well as combinations of these formats. Resources that support provincial curricula are identified through an evaluation process that is carried out by practising teachers. It is expected that classroom teachers will select resources
from those that meet the provincial criteria and that suit their particular pedagogical needs and audiences. Teachers who wish to use other resources to meet specific local needs must have these resources evaluated through a local district approval process.

Students may be expected to have some choice in materials for specific purposes, such as independent reading or research. Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of resources to support learning outcomes at any particular level. A multimedia approach is encouraged.

The ministry considers special-needs audiences in the evaluation and annotation of learning resources. As well, special-format versions of Grade Collection resources (Braille and taped-book formats) are available.

Learning resources for use in BC schools fall into one of two categories: provincially recommended materials or locally evaluated materials.

Provincially Recommended Materials

These materials have been evaluated through the provincial evaluation process, have received Minister's Order and are listed in Appendix B of each IRP.

Locally Evaluated Materials

Learning resources may be approved for use according to district policies, which provide for local evaluation and selection procedures.