Reseau: Communication, Integration, Intersections - Tapa blanda

• Réseau alternates between grammar presentation and readings in order to break up the monotony of potential grammar overload that can arise when students are asked to deal with one point after the other. From a pedagogical perspective, this alternating format also creates a more content-rich environment for the presentation of grammar.

Focus on foreign language writing skills

• Whereas the vast majority of intermediate-level textbooks ask students to produce experientially-based descriptive, narrative, and expository essays, which from a cognitive perspective are relatively easy to produce,Réseau specifically targets the argumentative essay, incorporating both process and genre-based approaches so as to best prepare students for advanced-level literature and culture courses.

Use of the L1 and the L2

• Based on the philosophy that both L1 and L2 learning are necessary for maximum student learning and retention,Réseau explains French grammar, with its many English cognates, in the target language. The all-French grammar presentations are simple, yet not simplistic, and include built-in activities intended to help students focus on the differences between English and French and solidify their knowledge.

Cultural diversity, globalization, and identity

• Réseau incorporates themes that will provide students a multidimensional view of French and Francophone culture. Through the careful selection of cultural and literary readings,Réseau presents a strong thematic articulation between the two readings that unifies each chapter and presents opportunities for students to discuss topics from multiple points of view.

Critical Thinking and Language Learning

• Réseau seeks to encourage students to probe the “why” and “how” of relational, sociological, cultural, political, psychological, and literary issues. Accordingly, questions are sequenced from easy to more complex to accommodate students of different