Technologically Enhanced Primary Language Learning

MMU: MFL team

Project details

Project title: Technologically Enhanced Language Learning Pedagogy

Comenius Multilateral Projects Ref: 134244-2007-UK-COMENIUS-

CMP www.tellp.org

Personnel

Gee Macrory, Project Manager José Luis Ortega, Universidad de

Granada Lucette Chrétien, Université de Poitiers TDA support Jo Clark, Stretford High School

Background to project

TDA: Collaborative technologies in languages initiative (CTLI)

International project: six primary schools, three initial teaching training (ITT) institutions and local authorities and regional governments in England, France and Spain working together using a shared curriculum to develop and improve the teaching and learning of languages.

The Six Schools Project

2 schools in each of Trafford (Greater Manchester), Granada and Niort

Linked by video-conferencing and a learning platform

Shared CLIL-focussed curriculum

Trafford

Granada

Niort

Shared curriculum examples

Our schools- Where is our school?- Who is in my class?- School subjects- Timetable routines Our way of life Locality

Technologically enhanced activities Video-conferences: whole class

presentations; partner-partner exchanges; question- answer sessions; information gap activities (eg completing a blank map)

Learning platform: www.6schools.eu

Video footage of VC

What is your immediate reaction? To what extent do you think that this pedagogic

approach can develop the children’s intercultural understanding?

How might this pedagogic approach make a contribution to a cross-curricular or CLIL approach to language teaching?

How might it help to make teachers feel more European in outlook?

 

Children’s views

All 3 countries- Very positive about cultural knowledge- Increased confidence- Teacher learning- Awareness of language learning

“ you absolutely have to see them”

“ you have to speak a traditional kind of English”

“it must be funny when we pronounce a word wrong”

“Want to have conversations not a play” “It’s ok to get it wrong” We learn new words from each other” “The more we use it, the easier it gets” “Ears pricked up so you have to learn

more” “Really want to be able to choose what to

do”

Tutor observations of VC in 6 schools

Issues of language use (which language, which skill, linguistic progression, etc)

Classroom organisation and management issues

Development of intercultural awareness

Development of project: effective pedagogy Possible characteristics

– real time + authentic

– regular + frequent learner communication

– content-led, rather than language led

– purposeful communication

– autonomous learning  (not teacher led)

– autonomous communication

– communication strategies (eg repair)

– pronunciation – aim of being understood

– parallels between teacher/learner (teacher as learner and learner as teacher)

– metacognitive and metalinguistic awareness & understanding

– children as teachers - cooperative language learning

– teacher not as expert

– clear articulation of: use of L1/L2, initiating/responding etc (progression) What are the potential problems and issues?

Learning Platform

www.6schools.eu Email facility Resources How best to use?

Teacher trainees

Core focus group of the 3 universities’ project is teacher trainees

Trainees:- acquire skills of planning effective video-

conferencing sessions between international classes

- gain familiarity with primary pedagogy in the partner countries

- engage in joint planning (home and abroad)- carry our focussed observation of impact of use of

technology on children’s learning

Trainee activities

Preparation/introduction at home university

VC in home school and/or on placement abroad – observing and assisting

Interviewing children and staff involved Preparing class for VC

Trainee perceptions so far

School links Technology CLIL

Future of project:

Evaluation of emerging pedagogy Close analysis/comparison of trainees’ perceptions

in the 3 countries + develop research into French-Spanish link

Involvement of trainees as active contributors to the project

Increase independence in VC sessions – trainees in lead

Use of related technologies: digi blues Develop LP pedagogy