“Maeha’a Nui”: A Multilingual Primary School Project in French Polynesia

Abstract

This article describes a collaborative longitudinal project which aims to create a multilingual environment in a French Polynesian primary school called Maeha__a Nui situated in Tahiti. The project was conceived with the joint efforts of four researchers from the University of French Polynesia and a number of professionals involved in primary education. This project was launched in September 2015 and has three overall objectives: 1) to identify effective teaching methodologies for Content and Language Integrated Learning ( CLIL); 2) to train teachers and colleague mentors on innovative techniques in foreign (English) and heritage (Tahitian) language teaching; 3) to involve all stake holders (e.g. teachers, school staff, parents etc.) in the creation of a dynamic multilingual environment. The first part of this paper will provide an overall description of the project. The second part will review the relevant literature on second and foreign language learning and plurilingualism by focusing on the previous research studies carried on in the French Polynesian context. The third part will present the initial results obtained from the first work package of the experimental research project which aimed at gathering classroom data on CLIL practices in Maeha__a Nui primary school. In the final part the pedagogical implications of the project will be examined as regards the French Polynesian elementary school context.

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Author Information
Zehra Gabillon, University of French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Jacques Vernaudon, University of French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Rodica Ailincai, University of French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Ernest Marchal, French Polynesia, French Polynesia
Mirose PAIA, University of French Polynesia

• Category: IICLLHawaii2016, Oral Presentation, Paper Available
• Tag: Innovative language teaching and learning methodologies,

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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