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Responses to latest frenchteacher survey

Every few months I conduct a Surveymonkey survey to get some feedback about frenchteacher.net. I am interested to see which sections and resource types get most used and to receive any other feedback, critical or otherwise. The feedback I receive does sometimes affect what I do subsequently, for example I now systematically provide answers with resources and I do develop specific resources if there appears to be a demand for them, e.g. I developed quite a few new adult student resources for private tutors.

Anyway, 96 subscribers responded to my ten questions and here is a summary of the responses. Thank you to all those who took a moment to respond.

1.

Have you used any of the Y10-11 instant listening tasks (not video listening)?

Over 70% of respondents said they do. I'm pleased to see that a new type of resource is already being widely used. I shall develop some more exercises of this type.

2.  

Have you used video listening tasks from Y9 to Y11?

Just under 50% of subscribers said they use these. I have been going through them all recently to check that video links work. I had to ditch a couple where the videos were no longer available. Others needed changes in URLs, notably the Peppa Pig videos which come and go from various sites. Do let me know if any links go dead.

3.  

Have you used A-level or Adult video listening tasks?

Just over 50% of subscribers use these regularly. This is one area where text books are limited with regard to listening. I always found students were more motivated when they could watch and listen at the same time.

4. 

Have you used any resources specifically designed for the new AS/A-levels?

Just over 50% use these. I'm aware that some subscribers do not use the A-level page, even though this was largely attracted subscribers when I adopted the paid-for model in 2012.

5.  

Have you used translation tasks at any level?

Over 90% have used these. My subscribers probably like translation more than me! expect to see some more of these, especially for GCSE.

6. 

Have you used the grammar explanation handouts (not worksheets)?

Over 50% said they used these. Grammar is still going strong, it would appear. Don't forget that there are free grammar whiteboard notes in Word on the site.

7. 

Which sections do you often use? (More than one answer possible.)

A-level and GCSE get equal use by this sample of subscribers (over 65% in each case). I have tried to develop GCSE more over the years and will continue to do so. The adult student page is sued by far the least. I do have quite a few private tutors and college teachers who subscribe, but most of my users are teachers, largely in the UK, but also from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.

8. 

Have you used the situational dialogues in the Adults section?

Just 6% answered yes. Other teachers may not be aware that these are on the site. they might make a nice change for some pupils. These dialogues for reading aloud/acting out are of intermediate standard.

9.

Which worksheet type do you make most regular use of?

The most popular categories of resource are, in order: texts with exercises, grammar worksheets, video listening sheets, parallel texts, crosswords and dominoes. The "text + exercises" has been a staple of the site since it began. I have recently been focusing on new spec A-level and GCSE texts. A-level resources often involve some paraphrase and translation exercises.

10. 

Do you have any other comment, suggestion or testimonial?

I had lots of complementary comments for which I am grateful. Specific suggestions included:
  • More speaking resources for new A-level specs
  • More resources for lower ability GCSE
  • More resources for intermediate adults
  • More differentiated worksheets to cater for all abilities
  • More culture-based texts to support the AS-level oral
  • More paired dictation tasks
You can be sure I have noted these and will attempt to respond to some at least in due course.

If you missed the survey and wish to make further suggestions contact me here or via the site.

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