Katy Arnett

French second-language teacher candidates’ positions towards Allophone students and implications for inclusion

ABSTRACT In Canada, there is a rising population of K-12 students who speak neither French nor English at home, and who are sometimes expected to learn both of the country’s official languages in school. Applying the lenses of critical theory and positioning theory, this study uses questionnaire and interview data to frame considerations to explore how teacher candidates in French second-language (FSL) teacher education programmes across Canada position these Allophone students and their learning needs over the course of their year in teacher education. Findings showed mostly positive attitudes towards the students, and in some cases, apparent small changes in their perceptions of Allophone students in FSL classes but also revealed some uncertainty about the extent to which these positive positions led to recognition of the unique learning needs of this student population. Such findings raise questions about the potential for true inclusion of these students within the learning environment.