The Impact of French for Health and Psychosocial Services Courses and OQLF Exam Workshops on the Retention of Health Care Professionals in Quebec

Since 2006, McGill University's French Language Centre (FLC) and Dialogue McGill (DM) have implemented French learning initiatives for health and social services students. These initiatives aim to retain English-speaking and allophone graduates in Quebec. Initially part of general French sections, these initiatives evolved into separate courses, now offering seven levels (A2 to B2/C1), including two intensive non-credit courses. Additionally, OQLF exam preparation workshops are provided free of charge, offering mock exams to help students meet professional licensure requirements. Participation in FLC courses is encouraged but not mandatory for workshop attendees.

In 2020-2021, changes in course coordination and DM leadership led to revisions. The courses transitioned from grammar-focused to a Task-Based Learning and Teaching (TBLT) approach, emphasizing professional tasks like patient interactions and professional writing. Promotional efforts increased enrollment across various health and social services departments.

This study aims to assess the impact of these revisions on student satisfaction, second language learning efficacy, and retention of anglophone and allophone students in Quebec. It also examines the relationship between workshop attendance and OQLF success rates.

For more information about this study, please contact:

Andrew Durand

Loiselle-research@mcgill.ca

(514) 398-8977

Funded by:

The Christine and Herschel Victor/Hope & Cope Psychosocial Oncology Research Chair