The Impact of Group Exchanges
As was the case 10 years ago (MacFarlane, 1999), recent studies
by Callie Mady PhD, Nipissing University, found there were
gains in exchange participants’ second-language motivation and
skills, regardless of differences in second-language programs. This consistency in findings across programs and years strongly supports the case for provision of an exchange experience for all Canadian youth. English-French School Group Exchanges in Canada and Their Impact 2009
By Callie Mady, PHD English - French School Group Exchanges in Canada and Their Long Term Impact 2009
By Callie Mady, Ph.D. SEVEC’s Youth Volunteer Program and its Impact 2008
By Callie Mady, Ph.D. Exchanges with a Twist of Volunteer Experience
By Callie Mady, Ph.D. Originally published in Réflexions, Vol.28, No.2, May 2009 Exchanges that involve visiting locations where a target language is being used for daily communication are commonly viewed as the ultimate cultural and language-learning experience. Interaction with native speakers of a target language is widely believed to be one of the most valuable ways to maximize second language acquisition. Beyond improving proficiency, bilingual exchanges have also been viewed as the ideal means to sustain and revitalize second language (L2) programs. According to Graham Fraser, the current Commissioner of Official Languages, offering exchange programs for learners of French as a Second Language (FSL) and English as a Second Language is essential to
attracting and retaining adolescent students in L2 education (Fraser, 2008). Read this article in MSWord format or PDF Format. Youth Taking Action Community Projects
Summary of Findings Report April 2010
This report summarizes the findings of 17 community projects that transpired across Canada. The program provided funding for youth aged 14-18 who identified planned and implemented projects in their communities, all the while building second language skills. Manitoba Youth - Leading Community Engagement
Summary of Findings May 2009
On May 11 and 12th, students from around Manitoba came together to work on creating change in youth involvement within Manitoba communities. View photos from the forum. Living and Learning in a Bilingual Canada
Regional Youth Forums - Summary of Findings June 2008
Following the National Living and Learning in a Bilingual Canada Forum, regional forums took place in 13 provinces and territories. Almost 500 youth from across Canada spent a day seeking solutions to help other youth in their community learn a second language and discover the benefits of bilingualism. Living and Learning in a Bilingual Canada
National Youth Forum - Summary of Findings January 2008
The Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC) and the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) organized a youth forum to study youth attitudes toward bilingualism. The event provided groups of two high school students and one teacher from every province and territory with the opportunity to share their thoughts and begin developing action plans to better engage students of diverse backgrounds in second-language opportunities. SEVEC Volunteer Youth Experience Pilot Program
Summary of Findings 2008 or the complete Evaluation Research Report
Through funding from Official Languages, a Department of Canadian Heritage, SEVEC coordinated a second language pilot program. The program consisted of projects taking place in 5 provinces. A total of 49 youth aged 14-16, travelled within their province and participated in a two-week language program under the guidance of 10 Group Leaders. Partnerships were created with two events/festivals per province, one English-speaking and the other French-speaking. Participants volunteered for 6 days, 3 days at each festival. SCIP Report
In 2005-06, SEVEC piloted a new exchange program called the“SEVEC Community Involvement Program”. The findings and recommendations of the pilot program are included in the following report:
A Program for its time: SEVEC Community Involvement Project Executive Summary (SCIP) (PDF) Please contact us for the complete report. National report
The Report to the Board of Directors on Educational Exchanges 2006 (PDF) was presented nationally at a press conference during SEVEC’s 70th anniversary celebrations in June 2006 on Parliament Hill. The purpose of this report is to review participant and organizer survey data to provide the Board of Directors and stakeholders a simple platform to assess the organizations success in meeting its goals. |