the importance of technology and content integration for ... · - own language instruction, grammar...
TRANSCRIPT
The Importance of Technology and Content Integration
for the International Language Learning Experience
ICEF BERLIN SEMINAR 2018
Presenters
Peter LahiffAcademic Director
Future Learning
www.flireland.co
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David Ganly Managing Director
Future Learning
@lahiffp @flireland #ICEF2018
Where we are coming from
• International English language school focusing on junior short courses
• Founded in 2013 with a focus to teach through modern technology
• Intake of 45 students in 2014 approx. 4,000 students in 2018
• 4 summer schools (Dublin, Athlone, Sligo & Canterbury, UK)
• Mini-stay programmes
• High School programmes
• School group integrations
• Adult Programmes, Teacher Training (Erasmus+)
• The first language school funded by the Local Enterprise Board for
innovation in language teaching and learning
www.flireland.co
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www.flireland.com
Project Based, Collaboration, Technology
www.flireland.co
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What are we teaching?
www.flireland.com
Where is the sizzle?
www.flireland.com
What is the method?
Classical / Grammar Translation Method - 17th Century on
- Own language instruction, grammar rules, vocab. lists, translate texts
Direct / Berlitz Method - 1880 on
- English instruction, work out the grammar, everyday vocab only
Audiolingual / Army Method - 1950s
- Imitate and memorise phrases, drilling, vocab in context, no rules given
Functional & Communicative Approach - 1960s & 1970s
- English instruction, focus on communicative function, interactive tasks;
roleplay, interview, group decision, information gap, opinion share, find who
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What is the trend?
www.flireland.com
What’s in the headlines ...
English plus watersports - Spotlight - Published on 01/03/08
Malta is well equipped to offer more than just general English.
ESP in the UK - Spotlight - Published on 02/08/12
While general English language programmes are beneficial, English for
Specific Purposes (ESP) courses give clients an edge in the world of work. ...
… As a number of contributors commented, there is a worldwide demand for
ESP courses, as people are becoming more efficient at speaking English
from a younger age.
International House sees increased demand for specialist courses -
Published on 23/05/17
International House World Organisation (IHWO) has observed shrinking
demand for general adult language courses balanced by growth in specialist
and young learners courses,
Recent changes in the trend
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Why are there gaps in the Junior Profile?
2014 Student Profile Schools associated with MEI - Insight
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Becoming more efficient at a younger age
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Interesting Developments
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We need a definition - check it on ...
Project Based Learning: students acquire a deeper knowledge through
active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. Students learn
about a subject by working for an extended period of time to investigate
and respond to a complex question, challenge, or problem.
Technology Enhanced Learning: Educational technologies, e-learning,
ICT use in classroom teaching, use of interactive learning environments,
and learning with technology as opposed to learning by/through
technology.
Content Integration (CLIL): teaching subject content through a foreign
language with the dual aims of students learning that content and,
simultaneous, learning the language. (adapted from David Marsh 1994)
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What’s learning technology for you?
www.flireland.co
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www.flireland.comLearning technology: any device which assists learning.
E-Learning: any use of information
and communication technology in
learning.
Technology Enhanced Learning:
using technology WHEN it can help
improve learning outcomes
(engagement, information, practice,
motivation, indivdualisation)
whoever uses it; learners,
teachers, managers or
administrators.
“Is it a technology course?”
What is a technology enhanced language school?
“Is it online then?”
No, we teach
communication
face to face!
Technology in education
- “We need technology in every classroom and in every student and
teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the
lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick
- “There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology,
but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom
and make it work, then it fails.” – Nancy Kassebaum, U.S Senator
- “It is important to remember that educational software, like textbooks, is
only one tool in the learning process. Neither can be a substitute for
well-trained teachers, leadership, and parental involvement.” – Keith
Krueger CEO, The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)
- “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum
instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event.” – Dr.
Heidi-Hayes Jacobs, Curriculum Designers, Inc.
A plan for the effective use of technology;
Creative: The content is created by the learners.
Interdisciplinary: Content guided by learner interest and not subject boundaries.
Problem solving: Achievement is in describing and working around the difficulties
Authentic: Doing are real-world tasks, rather than classroom simulations.
Adaptive: Programme adjusts depending on progress of the learners. (non-linear)
Flipped: The classroom is a place to do, reflect, feed back and consolidate.
Ubiquitous: Extend language learning into social and leisure activities.
Continuous: Learning is not limited to the confines of the class timetable.
Tailored: Individually selected learning objectives, rather than one size fits all.
Self-directed: With guidance, learner needs and outcomes are self-assessed.
Personalised: Communicating about own experiences, interests and ideas.
Individualised: Teacher input is differentiated to give each learner what they need.
Empowering: Encouraged to present themselves and their ideas with confidence.
Collaborative: Pooling their ideas and abilities to solving problems as a team
Peer-mentored: Helping each other, sharing discoveries, asking for clarification.
Intercultural: Learning by negotiating an understanding of difference.
Published Work: Publication is motivation and a window on the classroomwww.flireland.com
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Content integration in summer schools
www.flireland.com
Experience
School
Subjects in
English
Project work and more content integration
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It changes how we teach
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Individual projects - scaffolded portfolios or blogs
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Group projects - research, record, present
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We need a different approach to certification
www.flireland.com
… and for adults - we can do better there too
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“Standard General English Courses cover all aspects of the English language
including: grammar, usage, reading, writing, listening and speaking.”
INSTEAD LET’S GIVE OUR ADULT STUDENTS
Life skills through English
English for Professional communication
Foundation for study through English
WITH
- Authentic “content integrated” topics - Collaborative
tasks
- Intercultural communication - Project-
based approach
- Ongoing Developmental feedback (rather than grading)
- Learning led, rather than exam- led courses. - Technology as a leaner
tool
Talk Outline
HOW WE GOT HERE
The Communicative Approach has been the foundation of English language teaching since the 1970s. It represented a
major step forward in the way we thought about languages and what it was to be a successful learner and it has
inspired many to travel to study languages. Over the course of 50 years, general English programmes run on this
model have become nearly ubiquitous.
SIGNS OF CHANGE
The recent trend towards content integrated language learning, bilingual schools in Europe, and increased access to the
English-speaking world through the internet, have transformed students’ exposure to the language at home. In order to
continue to prove the value of educational travel, agencies and schools need to give a greater sense of purpose and
relevance to the courses they are offering.
WHERE WE NEED TO BE GOING
One way to answer this is to embrace technology as an essential medium of modern communication and integrating
content from across the subject areas into our programmes. This would also involve schools widening their focus
beyond language alone to take in the full range of digital, interpersonal and communication skills that students develop
while studying with us. By developing a more complete learning experience we, as a sector, can ensure that students continue to travel for study in increasing numbers over the next 50 years.