French classes at Alliance Française in Lyon

I am sadly coming to the end of my month of studying French in Lyon, with only a few more days of class to go.

I have really enjoyed my time at the Alliance Française in Lyon. I took the ‘Extra intensive General French’ package which consisted of 20 hours of French per week in two classes. The first -- a mix of grammar, oral comprehension, and writing – runs 9am to 12 noon Monday to Friday. The second is a conversation class offered four afternoons a week from 12.30 to 1.45. 

On the first morning, students gathered eagerly around a noticeboard to check lists of names for which rooms they would be in. Apart from French, there were all kinds of other languages being spoken, adding to the multi-national atmosphere.

Two teachers took a share of each of the morning and afternoon classes. For example, with the conversation class, one teacher taught for Monday and Tuesday, while another teacher took Thursday and Friday. The transition between teachers was relatively seamless and it was interesting to compare their different styles.

Initially the morning class had around 18 students, but was quickly divided into two separate classes with a much more comfortable number of students and more chances for teacher contact.

My class (level A2N1) used the textbook Alter Ego plus, published by Hachette. The package, available for sale from Alliance Française, included a textbook, activity book, and CDs of audio material. I didn’t have my book for the first class and the teacher very kindly copied the relevant pages for that day.

The classrooms are roomy and bright. Each is fitted out with a computer and projector which teachers use in an interactive way to display pages from the textbook, write notes on the enlarged pages, and play audio clips. This system really helped to enliven the textbook and gave the feeling that all elements were integrated. There is also plenty of traditional whiteboard space for writing new vocabulary.

The teaching styles varied between individuals, but all the teachers displayed a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm for French. All the classes were conducted in French and the teachers went to good lengths to use relatively simple French language to explain instructions and concepts. Where students really struggled, The occasional English or other language words arose in class, often from fellow students who wanted to help. Other students were a natural source of information and encouragement.

I was impressed with the extent teachers would go to explain, for example, certain grammar points when one or more of the class was a bit lost. I myself benefitted from this extra attention and explanation, which really helped me to come to grips with some concepts that initially had me baffled. In this regard it is really important to keep up with the homework and do extra reading as necessary.

The conversation classes where not quite as I had imagined, but were very good all the same. I had thought, rather improbably, that these classes would involve continuous chatting. Given the level of French and some natural shyness or lack of confidence in speaking, however, it was very necessary for teachers to take a structured approach. This often involved students first sharing what we knew on a topic. This was followed by a review of key vocabulary and conversation exercises around the topic, including in small groups and in front of the class.

One of the most fun activities for me, in conversation class, involved each student writing the name of a famous person or character on a notepaper and passing it to their neighbour to wear but not look at. Sitting in a circle, each student had to guess who they were by asking yes or no questions of the other students. It was such a fun game that the usual shyness barriers to speaking were quickly broken down. 

Although I have only been at Alliance Française a short time, I feel that I have made noticeable progress, both in terms of grammar, listening comprehension and speaking. Although I am sure I only speak in very basic and broken French, at least now I feel more confident than before to say some simple things. Being able to comprehend this personal progress is incredibly rewarding and I feel that I have a firm base for future progress. 

If you want to really improve your French, then I thoroughly recommend the Alliance Française in Lyon. Not only will the school help a lot, but also living in a French environment adds an important intangible: You have to be ready to speak French at any time! 

Morning class: One of the teachers and most of the students (a few were away this day).

Conversation class: One of the teachers and most of the students (a few were away this day).