language label Innovative projects in language teaching and learning

Transcription

1 european language label Innovative projects in language teaching and learning

2

3 What is the European Language Label? The European Language Label (ELL) is an award which encourages initiatives in the field of teaching and learning languages and is a tool which helps teachers and learners to become more aware about such initiatives. The ELL aims to inspire teachers and learners to adapt innovative and effective ideas and techniques, in accordance to their own needs. The ELL is coordinated by the European Commission, but is managed on a decentralised level by the EU Member States as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Turkey. The ELL is open to all aspects of education and training, regardless of age or methods used, with its main focus being to promote innovation in language teaching. By supporting innovative projects, at a local and national level, the ELL seeks to raise the standards of language teaching across Europe. Each year, the ELL is awarded to the most innovative language learning projects in each country which have found creative ways to: improve the quality of language teaching; motivate students; make the best of available resources to diversify the language offer, etc. Applications may be submitted by schools, colleges, businesses and other institutions involved in language teaching.

4 The European Criteria for awarding the European Language Label National juries are appointed to decide on which projects shall be awarded the ELL. They will do so according to a number of criteria, some of which have been agreed at European level. Other criteria can be introduced at national level. All projects awarded the ELL will receive a certificate signed by the European Commissioner responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism, and by the national Minister responsible for Education.

5 The main European criteria are as follows: Initiatives should be comprehensive in their approach. Every element of the language project should ensure that the needs of the students are identified and met; Initiatives should provide added value in their national context. This means a tangible improvement in the teaching or learning of languages, either in terms of quantity or quality; Initiatives should motivate the students and teachers to improve their language skills; Initiatives should be original and creative. They should introduce previously unknown approaches to language learning, but also make sure they are appropriate to the students concerned; Initiatives should have a European emphasis. They should be adapted to Europe s linguistic diversity and make use of this advantage - for example, by liaising with contacts across national borders. The initiatives should actively improve understanding between cultures by promoting language skills; Initiatives should be transferable. They might potentially be a source of inspiration for other language initiatives in different countries.

6 Eligibility Criteria for the European Language Label For projects to be considered eligible for an Award under the ELL they must demonstrate that they are: InnovativE -> The initiative involves a new method, approach or resource, which improves on previous provision. Effective -> The project is strengthened by verifiable progress towards learner targets.

7 innovative effective replicable Replicable -> The initiative can be replicated in other contexts, with potential for growth and development.

8 Examples of European Language Label Projects Monroe Free Library (MFL) Volunteers United Kingdom, 2009 Educational sector(s): Main sector - Adult Education Theme(s): Intercultural awareness (any language) Lifelong language learning Target language(s): French, German and Spanish Description: The teachers and learners at Dorset Adult Learning took part in the MFL Volunteers project that has been extremely successful in diversifying language courses, improving cultural awareness and increasing overall enjoyment. Six volunteers were appointed to tutors across ten MFL courses, each given a thorough training programme and a volunteer handbook to help them along their way. Whilst this is not a new idea in adult education, it is new to languages and was managed in an entirely different way. Students and teachers have been equally inspired by this project. It is considered a great way to deal with mixed ability classes, and to give learners more opportunities to practice speaking and listening in the classroom. Being exposed to Latin American Spanish as well as Castilian has enriched learning and improved understanding of the language and the different cultures associated with it. The volunteers, on the other hand saw it as a great way to improve their own skills and confidence ELL Booklet.indd 8 10/14/09 11:30:00 AM

9 Encouraging Pupils to study German and Russian Finland, 2007 Educational sector(s): Main sector - Primary Education Theme(s): Early language learning Diversification of the languages on offer Intercultural awareness (any language) Target language(s): German and Russian Description: The project has successfully encouraged pupils to choose Russian and German as their foreign languages. The school has actively informed children and parents about different language opportunities. The school takes part in different types of networks and is an active partner in international cooperation with Germany and Russia. A Whole School Approach to the Teaching and Learning of Spanish Ireland, 2008 Educational sector(s): Main sector - Primary Education Theme(s): CLIL - Content and Language Integrated Learning Intercultural awareness (any language) Learning games Target language(s): Spanish Description: The aim of this project was to integrate Spanish language learning into the school curriculum at all levels. To achieve this, the school set in place a programme for each class level using project work with a particular focus e.g. song, drama, art, poetry, cookery or ICT. Those involved in setting up the programme included the school principal, the visiting language teacher, the class teachers, the Comenius Assistant and Spanish teachertraining students. The programme is now incorporated into the school plan and can be taught by any class teacher and adjusted to take into account the needs of all pupils. It is envisaged that the programme will be updated on a yearly basis. The motivation and enthusiasm for the Spanish language across the wider school community is evident and the cultural and linguistic awareness of staff and pupils has been significantly enhanced.

10 How to Apply The application form can be downloaded from (European Language Label section) and has to be submitted to the Maltese National Agency (EUPA). Applicants will be required to answer a number of questions about their project in the application form. Amongst others, these include: What are the aims of the project? When was it started and how is it funded? What is the main language involved in your project? Does the project involve ICT? What are the project activities? What has the project achieved so far? What else is planned to develop the project further? How could this project be replicated in other contexts? Any supporting evidence for consideration by the judging panel such as photos, resources etc. should be sent to the National Agency (EUPA). Should it be requested, these may be returned at the end of the judging process.

11

12 European Union Programmes Agency Lifelong Learning Programme European Language Label 36, Old Mint Street Valletta VLT Malta tel llp.eupa@gov.mt web This publication has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.