I am Anjali Hotchandani, a passionate French language educator dedicated to making language learning engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable. As a teacher, I am deeply interested in exploring innovative pedagogical approaches that transform students into active learners. My passion lies in simplifying language acquisition through creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while fostering confidence and cultural awareness. I continuously strive to create dynamic learning experiences that make French enjoyable for every student.
In my French language classroom, I consistently incorporate innovative teaching strategies that make learning engaging, interactive, and meaningful for students.
One of the key approaches I use is the Common Sense Inventory (CSI) Strategy, where students respond to thought-provoking statements about a new topic based on their prior knowledge and assumptions. After the lesson, they revisit their responses and reflect on how their understanding has evolved. This strategy fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and self-reflection while helping students identify and correct misconceptions related to French grammar, vocabulary, and culture.
Another highly effective practice is the use of Role-Play and Real-Life Simulations, through which the classroom is transformed into authentic French-speaking environments such as cafés, airports, markets, and tourist information centres. By engaging in realistic scenarios, students develop confidence in using the language and improve their communicative competence in real-world situations. Additionally, I integrate gamified learning through digital tools such as Kahoot, Quizizz, and interactive flashcards to reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts. By turning learning into an enjoyable challenge, these tools significantly increase student participation, motivation, and long-term retention of concepts. Together, these strategies create a dynamic learning environment where students actively engage with the language, take ownership of their learning, and develop a genuine enthusiasm for French.
Anjali Hotchandani-Teacher, French Department
