Evaluating the department of English in a French medium school. (c2006)

Abstract

Research on department improvement in schools has been scarce. Hence, the purpose of this study was to survey an English department in a French medium school and find ways to improve it. This research includes a case study of the department culture specifically the values and the goals of the school, in addition to collegiality among teachers and the teaching and learning processes. Thus, a questionnaire was administered to five English teachers and twenty students. They were also observed in their classrooms and the teacher's lounge. Documents from the school were also used. Data analysis identified collegiality among teachers and cohesiveness between teachers' beliefs and the school's values and beliefs. However, structured lesson plans were absent in the classrooms. Besides, there was insufficient emphasis on students' high level thinking. Furthermore, enthusiasm was deficient in teachers, which was reflected on students who became disinterested in their turn. Teachers' professional development was also missing in the department which affected the teachers' subject knowledge and methodology skills.