en  fr  de
  1. Home
  2.  > 
    News
  3.  > 
    European Language Gazette
  4.  > 
    Gazette 46

Gazette 46 - March-April 2019


33 items found for "Show all items"

Featured articles

Edit

"Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences": Call for proposals for the ECML 2020-2023 programme open until 22 April 2019

There are just over two weeks left to respond to the European Centre for Modern Languages’ Call for its forthcoming programme, entitled Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences.

The Call is based on a wide range of possible themes, so if you have innovative ideas on language teaching and learning it represents an excellent chance to make a positive contribution to this increasingly important area at a European level. Don’t just take our word for it – you can see what some of the current project coordinators say about their experiences with the ECML!

You can apply either as a coordinator of a project or as a team member:

  • As a coordinator, you are invited to propose an outline for a language education project, based on the priority areas determined by the 33 ECML member states, as well
  • as details of your experience and expertise in this area
  • To apply as a team member, you are simply invited to outline your expertise and experience in the area for which you are applying

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to share and enrich your ideas on language education through European cooperation, with the support of a renowned Council of Europe institution!

Further details on the forthcoming ECML programme, its priorities and on how to apply are available at: www.ecml.at/call

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 22 April 2019.

Edit

“Learning environments where modern languages flourish”: EOL tools and resources tested by 28 participants from 28 countries

The key challenge of the project “Learning environments where modern languages flourish” (EOL) is to support schools that wish to establish language friendly learning environments which promote the exchange of related resources, research and practice. The project is supported by a European network of partner schools, with innovative approaches to establishing language friendly learning environments which promote the exchange of related resources, research and practice.

During the recent workshop (Graz, Austria, 7-8 March 2019) 28 participants from 28 countries had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the holistic approach to language education that is at the heart of the EOL project and tested tools and resources developed in this context.

EOL-Matrix: parameters which lead to learning environments where modern languages flourish

One of the main project outputs is a matrix offering an overview over different fields and areas which might support schools in developing learning environments where modern languages flourish. The matrix matches 4 “environmental levels” (learner, class, schools, system) with 5 dimensions of language learning:

  • Language and languages - Operational dimension;
  • Valuing languages - Ethical dimension;
  • Interculturality - Experience dimension;
  • Enriching curricula - Curricula based dimension;
  • Everyday languages - Existential dimension.
The tool should help schools to identify new opportunities for and through languages. The goal is modelling schools towards a language friendly learning environment. The matrix is a dynamic tool and has been tested and improved throughout the 4 years of the EOL project. It will be linked to a glossary and a series of tools and resources. All project outputs will be made freely available on the ECML website in the course of 2019.

Edit

"Towards a common resource for language-related teacher competences?" webinar

Teacher competences relating to language teaching and languages in education are crucial factors in the quality and effectiveness of education. Several previous projects have generated frameworks and descriptions of many of these competences. However, no overview of these frameworks and their potential uses, and no overarching framework covering all aspects of languages in teaching yet exist. This project seeks to bridge these gaps.

In the "Towards a common resource for language-related teacher competences?" webinar (on 27 February 2019) the project coordinator Lukas Bleichenbacher, together with the project team, present their approach to some of the key questions raised by the project:
  • What need is there for a future resource that describes the competences of language teachers and the language-related competences necessary for teaching other subjects?
  • Is it feasible to propose a model with common competences for all teachers, and specific adaptations for different kinds of teachers?
  • In what ways could the development of such a resource be of concrete value for teacher education and professional development?
The webinar also provides a practical introduction to the online guide to the many existing instruments available that describe teacher competences.

All project outputs are in the process of finalisation and will be made available online in the course of 2019:

  • an online user guide to instruments describing language teacher competences and selected practice examples of instruments in use;
  • an overview of teacher competences (the ‘inventory’);
  • a needs and feasibility report of a future framework (summary of insights from the project, consultations, the online survey etc.);
  • a glossary.

Edit

"Action research communities for language teachers": webinar recording available on the project website

The ECML project “Action research communities for language teachers” (ARC) has supported teachers in European classrooms in using action research as an essential tool for the development of reflective classroom practice - highlighting ways in which teachers can enhance their self-confidence and professionalism. The webinar (recorded on 25 January 2019) provides an insight into the experiences gathered over the 3 years of the project (2016-2018) and the results achieved.

In the webinar the project team and colleagues involved in action research speak about their experiences with action research in national contexts, the resources they developed and addressed questions raised by participants:

  • Christine Lechner, Pedagogical University, Austria, ARC - project framework;
  • Angela Gallagher-Brett: SOAS, University of London, UK: "The ARC-Spiral";
  • Inge Alfredson: Avedoere Lower Secondary School, Denmark: "The discovery of the intercultural dimension in English lessons through action research"
  • Kenan Dikilitas: Bahçeşehir University Turkey: "Action Research at tertiary level: Field notes from a research mentor";
  • Sunny Lau, Bishop's University, Canada: "Participatory action research: promotion of language teachers’ self-efficacy and advocacy for socially just plurilingual pedagogy".
All project outputs (guide to action research applicable in different European settings, case studies and training modules) are in the process of finalisation and will be made available in the course of this year.

Edit

Training and consultancy activities

Edit

“A pluriliteracies approach to teaching for learning”: ECML training and consultancy workshops in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Greece, and Poland in 2019

In March 2019 the ECML expert team of the activity “A pluriliteracies approach to teaching for learning” prepared their 2019 training workshops with local organisers from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Greece, and Poland at the ECML in Graz. More information on the individual training sessions is available on the dedicated website.

Edit

Working with an electronic European Language Portfolio and using ICT tools and open resources for better language teaching and learning: 2019 national workshops in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Montenegro, and Sweden

The expert teams of the ECML activities “Working with an electronic European Language Portfolio for better language learning” and “Use of ICT in support of language teaching and learning” prepared their 2019 training workshops with local organisers from Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Montenegro, and Sweden at the ECML in Graz. More information on the individual training sessions are now available on the dedicated websites:

Edit

ECML resources

Edit

Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning: new video presentation

Based on seven years experience with the ECML, the ECML training and consultancy team “A pluriliteracies approach to teaching for learning” revised and fully animated their model of Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning. This video is now available on the ECML website. The model offers a holistic view of integration that transcends the issue of content vs. language. The video highlights that deeper learning and personal growth only occur when all the four dimensions of the model are active simultaneously:

  • (Co-) constructing knowledge
  • Demonstrating understanding
  • Learner mindset
  • Mentoring learning
The approach suggests that these dimensions come together when school subjects are taught as disciplines (in terms of how knowledge is constructed and communicated) and when learner needs are met by teachers (through generating and sustaining engagement and by mentoring learning and personal growth).

Edit

European Language Portfolio: redesigned ECML website

The redesigned ECML website (www.ecml.at/elp) brings together the results of European initiatives relating to the implementation of the European Language Portfolio (ELP) in a variety of contexts. The aim is to promote the pedagogical benefits of the ELP and to facilitate its use in practice. The information focuses on two general areas: understanding the ELP and ELP in use.

For information on the origins and principles of the ELP and guidelines on how to develop an ELP model, see the European language Portfolio website of the Council of Europe, which provides extensive documentation on these aspects.

Edit

Online directory of language associations/organisations

This fully searchable directory is intended to facilitate collaboration between professionals from different language teacher associations and other language organisations, as well as across different languages, regions and countries. The directory can be used, for example, to find partners at national and international level for projects, events, competitions, to publicise your activities and publications, to campaign for languages or to seek sponsorship, etc.

The directory currently lists only a small proportion of the language associations and institutions - mainly based in Europe. If you wish your organisation to be added to the directory or to recommend other missing organisations/associations please contact us.

Edit

ECML related publication

Edit

Article on "Inspiring language learning in the early years"

Kirwan Deirdre, ILLEY – Inspiring language learning in the early years", In Touch, April 2019, pp. 52-53.
Article written by Déirdre Kirwan, team member of the ECML project "Inspiring language learning in the early years - Why it matters and what it looks like for children age 3-12" for the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) magazine In Touch. This magazine is delivered in hard copy to primary teachers on the island of Ireland every month and is also distributed to all tertiary education establishments.

Edit

Publication on the use of the Framework of reference for pluralistic approaches to languages and cultures (FREPA) in Germany

Silvia Melo-Pfeifer, Daniel Reimann, Plurale Ansätze im Fremdsprachenunterricht in Deutschland - State of the art, Implementierung des REPA und Perspektiven, Günther Narr Verlag, 2019

Edit

National developments

Edit

Austria: Initiatives on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Council of Europe

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Council of Europe the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research informs the wider public and provides materials about the history and activities of the Council:

Twitter: Politische Bildung | Erinnerungskulturen | RFCDC

Edit

France

Find all the news on the 24th edition of the Week of the French language and of Francophonie: website

Revue internationale d'éducation de Sèvres no. 79

Dossier « Enseigner le français aux enfants »

Newsletters

"La lettre du CIEP": no. 61, February 2019

"Veille et ressources documentaires du CIEP": January 2019 - March 2019

"Veille sur les ressources pédagogiques pour l’enseignement du français": March 2019

Newsletter edited by the Délégation générale à la langue française et aux langues de France : February 2019

Edit

Professional Network Forum of the ECML

Edit

Forthcoming events

The Professional Network Forum of the ECML is comprised of international associations and institutions that share common values and have overlapping expertise in the field of language education and assessment. Under the auspices of the ECML, the members of the Forum share their know-how and work together on areas of common interest in the service of language education.

Members of the Forum: ACTFL, AILA, ALTE, CEL/ELC, CercleS, EALTA, EAQUALS, ECSPM, ECML/Council of Europe, EDiLiC, EFNIL, EPA, EUNIC, FIPLV, ICC, OLBI.

Edit

Council of Europe developments

Edit

European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: Germany

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is the European convention for the protection and promotion of languages used by traditional minorities. Together with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities it constitutes the Council of Europe's commitment to the protection of national minorities.

Recent report:

Germany: evaluation report published

More information about the Charter

Edit

Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities: resolutions, opinions, state reports

The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is one of the most comprehensive treaties designed to protect the rights of persons belonging to national minorities.

Resolutions

Resolution CM/ResCMN(2019)4 on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Lithuania (adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 27 March 2019 at the 1342nd meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

Resolution CM/ResCMN(2019)5 on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by North Macedonia (adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 27 March 2019 at the 1342nd meeting of the Ministers' Deputies)

Advisory Committee Opinions, State Reports

Albania: publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion
Azerbaijan: publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion
Croatia: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Cyprus: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Denmark: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Finland: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Germany: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Hungary: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Lithuania: publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion
Russian Federation: publication of the 4th Advisory Committee Opinion
Slovak Republic: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report
Spain: receipt of the 5th cycle State Report

Advisory Committee: adoption of three (restricted) Opinions under the implementation of this convention in Netherlands, Georgia and Montenegro

Edit

Education portal for online learning

To mark the organisation's 70th anniversary, the Council of Europe’s Education Department has launched its Education portal for online learning. The aim of this portal is to make the practical teaching and training resources developed over the years available to education professionals across Europe. The resources focus on the priority themes and concerns of the Council of Europe, namely Human Rights, democracy and the rule of law. They are free of charge.

Edit

European states must demonstrate resolve for lasting and concrete change for Roma people

"On 8 April, we will celebrate International Roma Day. This is a day to celebrate Roma culture and Roma contributions to European societies, and the cultural diversity of Europe." (Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights).

Read full article of the Council of Europe
Edit

2019 - International Year of Indigenous Languages

Languages play a crucial role in the daily lives of people not only as a tool for communication, education, social integration and development, but also as a repository for each person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions and memory. But despite their immense value, languages around the world continue to disappear at an alarming rate. With this in mind, the United Nations declared 2019 The Year of Indigenous Languages (IY2019) in order to raise awareness of them, not only to benefit the people who speak these languages, but also for others to appreciate the important contribution they make to our world’s rich cultural diversity.

https://en.iyil2019.org/

Edit

European Union

Eurydice Brief: Integrating students from migrant backgrounds into schools in Europe: National policies and measures

Eurydice - Integrating asylum seekers and refugees into higher education in Europe: National policies and measures

How inclusive are European education systems towards migrants? (webinar recorded on 25 February 2019)

Teaching careers in Europe: Access, progression and support

Flash Eurobarometer 466: The European Education Area

National education systems: Teachers and education staff chapter

Modernisation of higher education in Europe: Academic staff – 2017

Does it matter if men don't teach?

Erasmus+ Annual Report 2017

Eurostat - Tertiary education graduates: main subject areas

E-Platform for adult learning in Europe - EPALE
Thematic focus from March to May 2019: citizenship education

Thematic focus from January to February 2019: digital adult learning

Edit

Mercator - European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning

Mercator newsletters:
Issue no. 148 (January 2019)
Issue no. 149 (March 2019)
Issue no. 150 (April 2019)

Edit

Quick links

Edit

Quick links

Council of Europe
Council of Europe news
Council of Europe Education Department
European Day of Languages
European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML)
Council of Europe Language Policy portal
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Stay connected with the ECML
News on the ECML portal
ECML on Facebook
ECML on Twitter
ECML on LinkedIn
ECML calendar of activities
All issues of the European Language Gazette


Not interested anymore? Click here to unsubscribe.

European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe
Promoting excellence in language education
Centre européen pour les langues vivantes du Conseil de l´Europe
Pour l’excellence dans l’éducation aux langues

Nikolaiplatz 4
AT-8020 Graz
Austria / Autriche
T +43 316 323554
F +43 316 323554-4
E-mail: information@ecml.at
www.ecml.at

Follow us on Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Edit