Dr. Viviane Diamitani

Teaching allows me to connect my love of French with any learner's field of studies. A student in humanities will be eager to know that learning French will open various horizons for him/her and a student whose focus is business or law will find that there are many opportunities in French in connection with his/her future goals. My hope is that each student regardless of their future plans will be motivated to participate in class activities, games, and role playing and to learn about the language and culture of French and Francophone people so that one day he/she will be able to interact effectively with them. I believe that once a student feels a connection with the language, he or she will be more eager to participate and interact with the class as a whole.

My primary goal in teaching is to create an atmosphere that is fun, energetic, respectful and conducive to learning so that students lose their inhibitions about speaking and learning a foreign language. I design a syllabus that clearly specifies the program for the class, the schedule for tests, quizzes, activities, and games, as well as office hours and availability. I leave room for suggestions that don't considerably modify the primary goal of the program. I initiate games and activities that fit the needs of the learners by implementing group or individual activities and role playing based on everyday situations and culture. This is to inspire even the most reluctant student to build their confidence in learning a language that can open doors of opportunities in their future.

Being a French native speaker and having lived in multiple French speaking continents I am provided with a larger view of the Francophone world. I incorporate this deep cultural experience into all of my teaching by organizing a discussion board on a comparative study of French and Francophone cultures and the American cultures. Once students acquire the ability to communicate, conduct fluid presentations and analyze and interpret French, they can then freely interact with even native French speakers. At the end of the term or semester, I am happy to see even the most reluctant student become eager to speak French.

Teaching is a calling that brings me an immense happiness. For me, education is the key for a bright future and I believe that working together we can create a brighter educational community!