Les effets d’une approche littératiée sur la communication orale en classe de mathématiques de 7e/8e année dans un programme d’immersion française

Résumé Cet article traite des principaux résultats d’une étude ayant comme objectif de mesurer les effets d’une approche littératiée sur les habiletés de communication orale en langue seconde lors d’un cours de mathématique dans une classe de 7e/8e année dans un programme d’immersion française précoce au Manitoba, Canada. Certains tests paramétriques ont démontré un effet positif sur la structure syntaxique à l’oral, ce qui suggère que l’approche littératiée peut jouer un rôle clé dans la facilitation du raisonnement mathématique en contexte immersif. Abstract This article reports the primary results of a study exploring the effects of a literacy-based approach on oral accuracy in second language during a Grade 7/8 mathematics class in a French Immersion program in Manitoba, Canada. Some of the parametric tests showed a positive effect on sentence structure in oral communication, which suggests that a literacy-based approach can play a key role in the facilitation of mathematical reasoning in an immersion setting.

Developing multicultural leaders through online language immersion

Purpose This study aims to document the impact of an 80-h virtual Spanish language immersion program on four elementary school leaders in Kentucky. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed methods approach. Each subject participated in three semi-structured interviews with the researcher and a standardized oral language assessment. Findings Participants expressed greater confidence when interacting with students and families who do not speak English, greater empathy for students learning English, new cross-cultural understandings and deeper knowledge about the language acquisition process and language instruction. Practical implications Training in a foreign language may prove to be a valuable professional learning activity for leaders seeking to develop a stronger skillset and mindset for multicultural education. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by documenting a previously un-researched virtual language immersion program.

A Six-Day, Lifestyle-Based Immersion Program Mitigates Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Induces Shifts in Gut Microbiota, Specifically Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: A Pilot Study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence remains elevated globally. We have previously shown that a one-week lifestyle “immersion program” leads to clinical improvements and sustained improvements in quality of life in moderate to high atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk individuals. In a subsequent year of this similarly modeled immersion program, we again collected markers of cardiovascular health and, additionally, evaluated intestinal microbiome composition. ASCVD risk volunteers (n = 73) completed the one-week “immersion program” involving nutrition (100% plant-based foods), stress management education, and exercise. Anthropometric measurements and CVD risk factors were compared at baseline and post intervention. A subgroup (n = 22) provided stool, which we analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing. We assessed abundance changes within-person, correlated the abundance shifts with clinical changes, and inferred functional pathways using PICRUSt. Reductions in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, were observed without reduction in weight. Significant increases in butyrate producers were detected, including Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospirales. Within-person, significant shifts in relative abundance (RA) occurred, e.g., increased Lachnospiraceae (+58.8% RA, p = 0.0002), Ruminococcaceae (+82.1%, p = 0.0003), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (+54.5%, p = 0.002), and diversification and richness. Microbiota changes significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glucose, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) changes. Pairwise decreases were inferred in microbial genes corresponding to cancer, metabolic disease, and amino acid metabolism. This brief lifestyle-based intervention improved lipids and BP and enhanced known butyrate producers, without significant weight loss. These results demonstrate a promising non-pharmacological preventative strategy for improving cardiovascular health.

Foreign Language Learning via Mobile Devices during a Language Immersion Program

The progress of technology and the complete integration of its products in our daily lives is now a reality. In addition to this, more and more young children now own their personal mobile devices, most of which have a connection to the internet. These new portable devices offer unlimited possibilities to their users, yet they also create more and more challenges in the field of learning. Inevitably, Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) as a subcategory of Mlearning is also affected. The purpose of this paper is to present students' perceptions on the use of an application in the process of learning French as a foreign language. To this end, we developed an application for mobile devices in real teaching conditions, which respects the principles of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Experimental quantitative research was carried out in order to explore the students' experience concerning the application as a portable learning tool, completely integrated into the course. The target group we addressed was international students from various countries in Europe, Asia and America, who were taught French during a language immersion program, as part of a language stay in Saint Raphaël in France.