Tribute to a passionate scholar and educator
The University of Ottawa’s Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) established the Larry Vandergrift award to celebrate and continue the legacy of this dedicated and respected full professor, who left his mark on second-language teaching. Vandergift, who passed away in November 2015, left behind a rich scholarly and personal legacy marked by his generosity and his commitment to his students and colleagues.
The educator had a major impact both nationally and internationally. As editor in chief of the Canadian Modern Languages Review and an esteemed specialist in listening comprehension, second-language proficiency, metacognition and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, he made major contributions to the advancement of second-language pedagogy. His approach, which combined theory and practice, continues to influence contemporary research and education practices.
The Larry Vandergrift award is bestowed each year on the student with the highest cumulative grade point average in the second-language teaching program.
Interview with Isabella Laurin, 2024 recipient of the Larry Vandergrift Memorial Award
Isabella fell in love with French starting in Grade 4 and, by the time she was in secondary school, decided she wanted to eventually teach French as a second language. Since then, she has immersed herself in learning and mastering the language, driven by her desire to share her passion with future generations. Isabella is steadfastly determined to become an inspiring teacher who can pass on her linguistic knowledge, along with her genuine appreciation for the cultural richness of the French language.
What was your reaction when you found out that you’d won the award?
IL: The delightful news came as a complete surprise to me. The honour of being chosen for the award became clear to me when I thought about all the other intelligent and dedicated students in my program. I consider myself very lucky, and I am extremely grateful for the financial support. I had not heard of Larry Vandergrift prior to receiving the award, but I started digging into his background immediately. I found out that he was not only an accomplished researcher and author, but also a devoted professor. Receiving an award bearing his name is a real honour. I can’t wait to read his publications and to look to his work for inspiration.
What made you want to study to become a second-language teacher?
IL: I’ve known since I was little that I wanted to become a teacher. I was enthralled with the language as soon as I began learning it at school. My path was shaped by Ms. Di Cicco, a remarkable and inspiring teacher and a University of Ottawa alumna. She was the first language teacher of mine to use the communicative approach, and I immediately saw its incredible impact on student progress and motivation. She inspired me to study teaching French as a second language. I, too, wanted to make learning French fun and to make students passionate about learning the language.
“The course, which focuses on the teaching of listening and reading, allowed me to develop essential skills in areas such as the principles of lesson planning, which will help me throughout my career.”
Isabella
What aspects of your program have had the most impact on your academic success?
IL: All of my professors have been outstanding and driven by a passion for teaching. Their dedication has really motivated me to give the best of myself. Among the courses that stand out, DLS 2501, taught by Catherine Levasseur, had a real impact on me. The course, which focuses on the teaching of listening and reading, allowed me to develop essential skills in areas such as the principles of lesson planning, which will help me throughout my career. Professor Levasseur’s classes were chock-full of content, but never overwhelming. Her interactive approach to teaching made learning stimulating and exciting. I am grateful to have had the chance to be one of her students.
What are your plans after you graduate in 2025?
IL: My goal is to get my bachelor of education so I can teach French at the secondary school level in Ontario. I am determined to play an active role in integrating new and stimulating educational approaches by looking to the latest research in the area of language teaching. My goal is to always grow as a teacher and to always be willing to learn and adapt, so that I can give my students the best learning experience possible.
Do you have any words of wisdom for young people who might be considering going into the profession?
A passion for language and teaching is the key to becoming a good language teacher, as it comes through to your students and makes them want to learn.
What would you say are the biggest benefits of bilingualism?
Being bilingual helps form new connections between people and cultures. My English-French bilingualism has brought new people into my life. I’ve also read books and consumed media that would have been out of my reach had I not learned French. Most of all, I’ve built stronger ties with the Franco-Ontarian side of my family.