Labs and Resources

Lab Policies:

• We expect students to come prepared with a professional attitude
• Accounts will be blocked after three (3) no-shows.
• You must cancel at least one (1) hour in advance to avoid a no-show.
• If you are blocked you will be limited to walk-in appointments only
• By coming to the lab you accept that Lab Tutors will push you out of your comfort zone during your appointments and will ask follow-up questions if necessary
• If on Zoom, you must be in an appropriate environment similar to the in-person lab; quiet and distraction-free
• You will be marked absent if you are engaged in another activity while in your appointment (ie: driving, rock climbing, attending a wedding, etc…)

What is the purpose of each lab?

Speaking Lab:

The speaking lab gives students of certain courses the opportunity to practice speaking one-on-one with a native (or near native) tutor. This allows you to concentrate on the personal weaknesses you may have in speaking the language. The lab is an excellent resource for working on your pronunciation, preparing for any oral presentations or speaking assignments in your courses, and the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).

Writing Lab:

The writing lab gives you the opportunity to receive feedback and assistance on your written assignments before you turn them in to your professor. The writing lab is an excellent resource for improving your writing in the French language as well as preparing for the WPT.

Grammar Lab:

The lab is designed to help students master advanced language concepts. It is meant to give targeted grammar instruction to those who come with specific questions. Examples of questions could be:

• Concepts from your class that are still confusing
• Principles from a speaking or writing appointment where there wasn't time to do a full explanation

How do I get the most out of my lab appointment?

The basics never fail

• Come prepared! A prepared student prints out their paper or speaking assignment
• Brings specific questions for the lab tutor
• Come with OPIc grid notes
• Come with grammar principles you are working on applying
• Self evaluate after each appointment:
  
  • What were my strengths? My weaknesses?
  • Did I learn any new vocabulary? New grammar? New cultural perspective?
• Make a plan
  
  • How will I use X in my next French conversation/writing?

What the lab IS and IS NOT:

• IS a place to push your language skills
• IS a place to make mistakes and get feedback
• IS an opportunity to speak in French
• Is NOT a writing vending machine
• Is NOT a grammar and spell check

Using AI:

• Always defer to limitations set by your professor
• If it is allowed, use it as a tool
• Always focus on becoming a better writer not just on the final product