Merlin is a website developed by the Alliance Française USA.
Merlin Media Resources for Language Instruction is divided in two sections:
1) for learners of French (in English).
2) for teachers and media-librarians (in French).
Even if it is more dedicated to the members of the Alliance Française USA (students, teachers and librarians), Merlin provides a collection of materials that are accessible to non-members. Of particular interest is
an excellent bibliography totally up-to-date at the time of the review containg study guides and target language content ). It is also directly linked to the fi:af (French Institute : Alliance Française) which provides an amazing tour of the French culture and some great lists of movies, graphic novels and music.
The Media Resource for Language Instruction designed by the Alliance Française, is clearly intended for use by that entity, although its placement tests, bibliographic references and missions virtuelles can be profitably used by independent learners of French.
Type of Material:
- List of educational material by level, study guides, French novels.
- Teacher resources.
- French Placement tests for level A, B. in French, English and Spanish speakers(very interesting self assessments).
- At the moment of the review, the lists of material for teachers were not all available.
- Link to the fi:af collections.
- Guided courseworks (with detailed syllabus) for those who can access an Alliance Française library or can buy the books in referenced. Diverse activities to be completed on the website. Some activities to be downloaded and used by any teacher.
Recommended Uses:
The best use is undoubtedly to try the placement before enrolling in an AF French class. However, all students can benefit from their placement activities and their missionsvirtuelles.
Technical Requirements:
n/a
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The independent user can estimate his or her level in French while learning how to navigate the European proficiency framework known as the Common European Framework of Reference, where speakers are divided into three groups: basic, independent and proficient.
Target Student Population:
There are two major targets.
- The learners of French (as students of the AF or as independent learners who seek authentic communication and proficiency training).
- The teachers and librarians of the AF, but also any teacher or librarian who wants to extend his resources.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
n/a
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The presentation of the resources is clear and the access to important information (books, activities, placement information) is conveniently located in one place. For those students who plan to take courses at the AF, the placement materials will save them time.
It will also be extremely interesting for teachers who use the Standards for Language Teaching to compare the proficiency guidelines to those of the Alliance Française or the European Common Framework.
Note: One reviewer used it with students and they were really enthusiastic. - Some documents can be downloaded (lists, articles, guided pedagogic content).
Concerns:
It is clearly dedicated to the AF members. Some portals are not accessible to the non-members (the Benjamin virtual library for example).
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site can be useful as a teacher resource as much as for independent study. The list of resources is very dense.The placement tests are very elaborate.Because it is maintained by the AF, it is a very secure source of information and future maintenance is guaranteed. The missions virtuelles are interesting and up to date. Students will enjoy them. Culture is as important as the structure in these activities. It is comforting to learners who learn languages in a variety of scenarios throughout their lives to discover their exact level and the steps they need to move to the next one.
Concerns:
no
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
It is extremely easy to use and has clear and consistent instructions.
The presentation is plain and efficient. The missions are interactive and the design is pleasant. All hyperlinks work and the navigation is clear. The website is professionally designed with an effective architecture.
Concerns:
Part of the site is only open to the members.
Creative Commons:
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