Français à la Nouvelle-Orléans par Charles A. Mignot

Abstract

Reviewed by: Français à la Nouvelle-Orléans par Charles A. Mignot Florin Beschea Mignot, Charles A. Français à la Nouvelle-Orléans. OER, 2021. The first observation in this open educational resource is the "can do" approach exhibited by the table of contents by scaffolding students' strengths and interests, rather than insisting on difficulties and rescuing the learner. The learning outcomes are present at the end of each lesson as well, with the option for the student to self-assess their applied readiness on three levels. The author structured the resource as follows: Three sets of textbooks (Livres 1-3) distinguished by three levels (Niveau 1-3) with each containing 24 lessons. Each Livre is accompanied by two Cahiers, in which there are two Devoirs assigned to each corresponding Leçon in the textbook. The copious material (for a total of nine PDF files) offer effective usage as a whole, and by chapter, theme, and individual need. Since this resource is searchable, it is easy to find diverse exercises to supplement class and student needs. I do not feel comfortable assessing this material as I would a normal textbook, since it varies in both format and structure. However, the PDF format is accessible to both instructors and students, offering a more affordable printing option than other materials on the market. The structure of this material is not always systematic; it follows a traditional vocabulary-grammar-pronunciation approach, spoken and written skill building exercises, and activities in the first two Livres. However, Livre 3 is divided between several "Découverte de la langue" sections followed by "Pratique de la langue" sections, spotted with "Pause langue" exercises, and "Compréhension" checks. A plethora of activities are found both in the Livres and the workbooks (Cahiers), including, for instance, fill-in-theblank, transformation, and substitution exercises. However, I could not access many activities that mention videos and audio files so these aspects remain a hidden resource to me. I also noticed that the author is relying heavily on writing. There are no formal new vocabulary or grammar modules to introduce to students (typical for a communicative class or lesson format). The vocabulary is directly introduced in exercises, while the grammar and pronunciation modules have their own set of explanations, which are sometimes extensive. In terms of cultural-learning modules, I believe the exercises focus outside of the New Orleans area or theme, instead of in it (be it Louisiana French language, culture, artistic expression, particularities, etc.). While this extensive language practice resource could focus more on La Nouvelle Orléans, it is a fantastic source of exercises and activities to do in class with your students, or to assign as homework. [End Page 179] Florin Beschea Davidson College (NC) Copyright © 2023 American Association of Teachers of French