Exploring the use of student perspectives to inform topics in teacher education

As FSL teacher educators look to respond to teachers' concerns about the increasingly diverse student population in K-12 settings, empirical research may not always hold the answers-simply because there has not been much research on the topic. In an attempt to at least identify issues worthy of such empirical consideration and discussion within teacher education programs, this article explores the views of seven Grade 8 core French students who were members of an effective inclusive classroom. Drawing on the individual and focus group interview data from a larger case study of their teacher's classroom, this article will identify two key themes that the students described as instrumental in the teacher's attempts to be an effective, inclusive core French teacher. It is the goal of this article that these themes will help inform the decisions FSL teacher educators make about this topic within their programs.