Groupement FLE, representing French as a Foreign Language (Français comme Langue Etrangere) teaching institutions, has cemented its status as a go-getting professional organisation after holding a recent weekend summit, at which three professional development themes were addressed by members.
Themes were: “The place and role of the Groupement FLE in the world of teaching French as a foreign language”; “How to highlight quality and quality as a means of promotion”; and “Working together – competitors or colleagues?”. Guest speakers included Manuela Pinto, head of the French language department at the CIEP, a public body set up by the French government to forge advances in education and languages. CIEP is responsible for quality auditing centres under the label Qualité FLE.
Other speakers included Jacky Cailler, President of CampusFle/Aducuefe – an organisation representing French universities offering courses to international students; and David Diplock, former President of IALC who also ran a French language teaching and English language teaching company in Canada, LSC (since sold to EC).
Groupement FLE has made big strides in the last few years in its quest to federate members, promote quality, and take part in joint marketing ventures. In fact, Andrew Kinselle, a spokesperson for the organisation, said its “active presence has now made it an essential partner in discussions with partners within France and internationally on all matters related to FLE”.
Its active presence has now made it an essential partner in discussions with partners within France
During the weekend summit, participants also participated in workshops that aimed to deal with issues including educator/agent relations, the quality of student welcome and human resources (HR) management.
Forthcoming activities for the 30-strong association include an inaugural Roadshow to Poland to meet Polish agents and teachers of French at the beginning of February.
Later in the year it is organising its Journées Pédagogiques in Paris in November, when over 100 French teachers will attend a wide range of seminars and workshops.
