French lessons in Flemish primary schools ‘too focused on grammar’

The Onderwijsspiegel evaluated French lessons in the final two years of 100 primary schools. The findings confirm the results of the non-binding entry test for students wanting to start teaching studies in higher education. The French test was the major stumbling block for these students.

“This result should encourage university colleges to better prepare their students to give French courses,” Flemish education minister Hilde Crevits told VRT. Crevits emphasised that she is not in favour of introducing separate French teachers in primary education. In Flemish primary schools, teachers usually teach all subjects to their class.

The lessons in primary school French also rely too much on practicing grammar and spelling, according to the report. The inspector-general for the education inspection agency, Lieven Viaene, said that regular primary school teachers need extra training “so they can more easily communicate with pupils and feel more at ease teaching them our love for the French language”.

Teachers in secondary education, meanwhile, have no problem with French lessons. Secondary school teachers also report success in teaching subjects in a language other than Dutch as part of the Content and Language Integrated Learning system of immersion education.

Photo courtesy Stad Gent