6533b7cefe1ef96bd1257798

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Pratique de l'enseignement de l'anglais dans les facultés de médecine en France métropolitaine

subject

description

Abstract English lessons have been compulsory in French medical schools since the 18th March 1992 bill. Objectives: The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics of this teaching programme as it exists in 2005. Methods: A questionnaire designed by experts in the teaching of medical English was sent to the 41 medical schools in Metropolitan France. The questionnaire covered five different areas (the number of hours of lessons, of students and of teachers; evaluation and marking methods; lesson contents and pedagogical methods; student and teacher profiles; the teaching of English for postgraduate students). Results: Twenty-six questionnaires have been returned and evaluated, which shows that English is taught in 26 medical schools. Instruction comprises 88 ± 30 hours of lessons. English is compulsory in 96% of cases and takes place mainly during the second and third years. Medical English is taught in the majority of cases (68%). Teachers are either permanent or temporary staff. Lessons are in the form of directed study. In 52% of cases, a doctor takes part in the lessons. In 36% of cases, postgraduate classes are organized for doctors. Conclusion: The teaching of English is now widely accepted in French medical schools, and it is developing. Nevertheless, for English lessons to become a permanent fixture, it is to be hoped that they will benefit from a wider range of pedagogical tools, notably by linking existing theoretical teaching with training periods in English-speaking countries.