Official Language Acquisition and Maintenance

Language training programs available from the Canada School of Public Service assist and support departments and agencies in carrying out their duties with respect to building and sustaining the official languages competencies of their employees. These efforts, in turn, foster a culture of bilingualism across the public service, and contribute to better service to Canadians.

Catalogue

The 2009-2010 catalogue outlines information about language training programs as part of the Official Language Acquisition and Maintenance module.

• Official Language Acquisition and Maintenance

Language Learning Plans Service (Orientation)

The Canada School of Public Service assesses employees to determine their language learning styles and current language levels, as well as the number of hours required to achieve the level sought. In doing so, the Canada School of Public Service offers you:

• individualized and confidential language learning plans service (orientation);
• individualized language learning profile;
• learning style, duration of training and pedagogical recommendations;
• advice and strategies on optimal learning conditions and best practices; and
• access to accurate and measurable tests.

Quality Assured Language Learning Program

The Canada School of Public Service uses leading-edge practices and innovative tools to ensure that you and your employees receive quality, cost-effective language training. This language learning program ensures that:

• Employees are registered in individual or group training based on individualized language learning plans service (orientation).
• Facilitators are qualified and trained in various language training programs, evaluation tools, learning methods and approaches.
• The teaching framework ensures leading-edge training.
• The progress of each learner is checked using validation tools which allow follow-up plans to be developed to compensate for any shortcomings.
• Progress reports and adjustments are suggested for meeting the needs of learners.
• A professional team takes care of contracts, invoicing and booking for second language evaluation tests with the Public Service Commission of Canada.

Learn while Practicing Your Second Official Language

The Canada School of Public Service offers professional development courses in both French and English to public service employees who wish to assess, maintain or improve their second language proficiency level. To learn while practicing your second official language, the following activities are available to you:

• Speaking to Learn I, II and III - A language proficiency and professional skills retention program (formerly Second Language Co-Development):
  • Case studies, learning strategies, group discussions and participation in an online community of learners, levels B and C
  • Also offered through Web conferencing for off-site participants
• Second language maintenance workshops
• Armchair Discussions

Online Self-Assessment Tools and Products

The Canada School of Public Service offers blended learning solutions and access to online self-assessment tools in French and English to public service employees across Canada, to help them independently improve or maintain their second official language proficiency levels. These online self-assessment tools and products include:

• More than 70 second language tools on Campusdirect, the Canada School's online campus.
• Leading-edge technologies to support acquisition and maintenance of second language skills.
• Self-directed language evaluation simulations and assessment products and tools.
• Access to interactive tools designed to improve comprehension, pronunciation, grammar and writing skills (reading, writing and oral comprehension).
• Facilitator-led material for learners in a classroom environment.
• Access to complementary language learning services for acquisition and maintenance of language proficiency.

"À La Carte" Services

The Canada School of Public Service also provides on-site language facilitators to assist in building and sustaining a bilingual workplace, as well as a culture of continuous learning in your department. These "à la carte" services include:

• Providing a pool of qualified language facilitators who act as agents of change:
  • More than 60 facilitators currently work on-site in 20 departments
  • Trained on all language learning products, including online tools
  • Coached and supervised by senior staff
  • Able to meet short-term, medium-term and long-term needs
  • Make sure that the second language is used in context at the right time
• Offering departments a single window for all language learning needs.
• Monitoring the progress and satisfaction levels of learners and the progress reports provided to clients help guide activities to maximize proficiency.
• Delivering facilitator-led material and online tools and products:
  • Best practices shared among facilitators via a community of practice
• Adapting Canada School of Public Service products and tools to meet specific departmental needs.
• Providing advice and guidance on building and sustaining a bilingual workplace and continuous learning culture in all participating federal organizations.

Satisfaction Survey

Share your opinion on your language training experience with the Canada School of Public Service.