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Our teaching methods

The Alliance française d'Annecy's action-based teaching approach is based on interactive language practice in everyday situations.
Our courses are tailor-made and adapted to the students' environment.

Teaching French as a Foreign Language

The teaching of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) at Alliance Française d'Annecy is based on an action-oriented and communicative pedagogy for concrete results.
Would you like to learn French effectively, by immersing yourself in real-life communication situations?
Opt for an innovative teaching approach, based on real-life language use.

What is action learning?

Action pedagogy is based on the idea that language learning should be centered on concrete actions, enabling learners to express themselves and interact in authentic contexts.
Rather than limiting themselves to theoretical exercises, students are invited to carry out practical tasks: organizing a meeting, conducting an interview, solving a problem, and so on.
These activities aim to develop linguistic competence by simulating situations encountered in everyday life.

A communicative approach at the heart of learning

The communicative approach, on the other hand, focuses on exchanging, understanding and producing messages in real-life situations.
Rather than focusing solely on mastering grammatical rules, the aim is to enable learners to communicate effectively in French, in a fluid, natural way.
Each lesson becomes an opportunity to interact, debate and express opinions, while consolidating language skills.

 

Why choose this approach to learning French?

1. Motivating, hands-on learning:
The tasks proposed are linked to real, personal objectives, making learning French more interesting and relevant.
 
2. Rapid, lasting progress:
By learning through action, learners acquire skills they can use immediately, boosting their self-confidence and fluency.
 
3. Development of social and intercultural skills:
By interacting in a variety of authentic contexts, learners also develop social and intercultural skills, essential in a globalized world.
 
4. Adaptability to individual needs:
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this approach allows you to tailor your learning to your needs, desires and objectives.
 

Conclusion: dynamic learning for a successful command of French

Opting for an action-based, communicative approach to learning means choosing a modern, effective way of learning French.
By emphasizing action and interaction, this approach will help you develop real linguistic fluency and gain confidence in your ability to use the language in everyday life.
 
Join us and discover a new way of learning French!
 

Our courses are also preparation for qualifications in French as a Foreign Language (DELF and DALF).

Our team consists of experienced teachers, qualified to teach and with degrees of teaching French as a foreign language.

The high-level French language teaching offered by our Alliance, and our pedagogy, are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and on the action-oriented, communicative approach to language teaching.


The four fundamentals of language

Speaking Conversation, or individual expression

Talking, expressing yourself and chatting on matters that have to do with everyday life, or on more specific topics relating to professional or personal concerns.
Working with the teacher, you can learn or practice in an environment which will very soon give you enough confidence to be able to hold a conversation.

You will also learn to handle the different levels of language.

At the same time, you will work on your pronunciation, to appear as 'French' as possible!

Listening Conversation, or individual expression

You will acquire quick techniques to UNDERSTAND the spoken word on everyday life (on radio or television, or in the cinema), or in conversation with native speakers.

Writing Vocabulary, grammar, spelling ...

You will learn vocabulary, work on grammar and spelling to be able to handle any type of document: filling forms, managing administrative procedures, writing letters and emails.

Reading Understanding

You will learn techniques for understanding the written word, and will work on grammar and sentence structure to understand any type of document: newspapers, administrative and personal mail, advertising, letters, strip cartoons, literature, emails, explanatory texts, etc.

Levels

The Common European Framework for Languages (CECRL) is the benchmark for the different levels of language, established by the European Council.

Independent Level A1: I can

ask simple questions on familiar subjects, or express my immediate needs; understand familiar words and expressions about myself, my family, my surroundings and my situation if people speak slowly and clearlu.
Write a short, simple message, such as a holiday postcard.
Fill in a simple form and give personal details, for example when completing a hotel booking form.

Intermediate Level A2: I can

share information on familiar, normal topics - family, work, way of life;
express my opinions and feelings in simple, direct conversations;
understand everyday documents, such as advertisements, leaflets, menus, timetables;
understand expressions and vocabulary about things which concern me;
write notes and short, simple messages.

Independent Level B1: I can

cope with most situations I might meet on a journey, or when dealing with a native speaker;
take a short job interview; talk about an event or an experience; share my opinions and projects in a more constructive way; bring events together logically;
understand texts written in everyday language, describing events and feelings;
understand most of some radio and television programmes on topics which concern me personally or professionally;
draft minutes, brief reports, personal letters, a CV.

Advanced Level B2: I can

grasp the essentials of concrete or abstract subjects, understand fairly long speeches and follow arguments; understand most radio broadcasts and films;
speak naturally and easily on a wide range of subjects, and talk freely with a native speaker;
put forward a reasoned opinion setting out the pros and cons of a situation;
write clear, detailed documents, pass on information, put forward arguments;
read texts dealing with a variety of subjects.

Experienced Level C1: I can

use the language in an effective, flexible way; express myself easily and spontaneously in aclear, well-constructed conversation; express my own point of view;
understand the specifics of different types of text and language;
write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, emphasising the important points.

Advanced Level C2: I can

master the studied language and its nuances of style to perfection;
accurately express subtle nuances of meaning;
produce complex essays giving a critical appreciation of a piece of literature.