Saint Pierre: an instructional module for imparting cultural information on the island of Saint Pierre

Squires, Elsie M. (Trimm) (1982) Saint Pierre: an instructional module for imparting cultural information on the island of Saint Pierre. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

In the light of the lack of teaching materials based on the Island of Saint Pierre available to French students in the classrooms of Newfoundland and Labrador, the purpose of this project was to develop a teaching module to be used by high school French classes. The aims of the module were to present certain cultural facts about Saint Pierre, to assist the students in developing an empathy for the people of Saint Pierre and to interest and motivate the students in the learning of the French language. -- For students going on a field trip to Saint Pierre, the information in the module could make the trip more beneficial and enjoyable. For those not receiving the opportunity to go, it is hoped that the module could provide a substitute to give them a better understanding of the culture and way of life of the people of Saint Pierre. - To test the module, five groups were chosen, three Grade Nine classes and two Grade Ten classes. A pretest was given to each student; the module was presented and a posttest was given. The data collected were analyzed and t--tests for differences between means were applied. A chi-square test was done on each individual test item in order to check for significant differences. -- The major findings indicated that there was a significant difference between the means of the pretests and posttests for each group of students. In doing an item analysis, it was found that there were significant differences for a high majority of items in the posttest as compared with the pretest. Affective outcomes were determined by a student questionnaire which was completed by each student participating in the study. Results of analysis of the data indicated that student attitudes towards Saint Pierre, its people and their way of life were very positive. According to the students' own perceptions, their knowledge of Saint Pierre and its people had increased. Teachers who used the module in a classroom situation gave their appraisal. Their comments were positive and very encouraging. -- This type of module proved a reliable means of imparting information and improving the student awareness of the French culture as well as contributing to the development in the students of positive attitudes towards French.

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