Beyond Linguistic Insecurity

Building Oral Confidence in Additional Languages

By Denis Cousineau

Overview

In this course, we address the anxiety associated with learning additional languages, in particular French as a second language (FSL). Emphasis is placed on development of oral confidence among both learners and teachers. We explore the causes of linguistic insecurity and propose solutions to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Learning content:

• Module 1: Understanding Linguistic Insecurity
• Module 2: Improving the Teaching of Language Skills
• Module 3: Improving Evaluation Practices to Reduce Insecurity
• Module 4: Teaching Better to Learn Better, Build Confidence, and Reduce Insecurity
• Module 5: Putting an End to Insecurity and Redefining Success

Learning Results

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the concept of linguistic insecurity among their learners
• Determine a variety of strategies for building their learners’ oral confidence
• Plan the development of oral skills based on an action-oriented approach that takes linguistic insecurity into account and offers learners an effective framing through a safe and inclusive structure