Project Summary:
The project ‘EUROPE: MANY LANGUAGES, ONE VOICE’ engages the total number of 146 students (181 including participating students from hosting countries) aged from 13 to 19 attending public secondary schools in 5 European countries: Austria, Poland, Hungary, Spain and France. They represent various social backgrounds and approximately 20% of them come from less privileged families with much restricted access to ICT facilities, including the Internet. Bearing that in mind, it is clear that they are not able to get to know other countries and their respective cultures, make friends abroad, acquire knowledge on EU problems or learn foreign languages using modern media and ICT tools.The project aims at developing the participants’ language skills with regard to English, German from level A2 to level B2, acquiring and developing ICT skills by both teachers and students, applying new and innovative methods and techniques in foreign language teaching/learning (especially e-learning), creating open-mindness towards other cultures, customs and beliefs; creating equal opportunities for all learners especially for those with special needs or those coming from destitute and/or low-life background. The main project aim is to create innovative methods of foreign language teaching and learning. It means creating more effective ways of e-learning through multimedia and OLR in English and German. This goal is going to be achieved by learning in virtual international groups (e-platform) with support provide by e-mentors, direct contact with native speakers and participation in 4 international intensive language workshops organised by the partner schools . What is more, activating and motivating students will take place through the use of multimedia and ICT resources such as: computer software (e.g. i Tools), online publications, podcasts, videoclips, PowerPoint presentations etc. in a languages classroom.
Products of the project will include a ‘virtual library’ of OLR for learning/teaching English, German published on the project blog site, training materials concerning innovative methods of language teaching and applying ICT tools to language learning/teaching. All of the above will be made available on the project website, project blog, YouTube and Twinspace. The project will result in the participants developing their key competences as well as their muticultural skills. They will also expand their knowledge of foreign cultures and highlights. What is more, local communities and school governing authorities will have a better understanding of modern European educational systems and will get actively involved in shaping the international cooperation in their local area.
Description of the practical arrangements for the Learning, Teaching and Training activities:
The project involved the organisation of five 4-day intensive language workshops in partner schools in Austria, Poland, Spain, Hungary and France.
The role of each of the partner schools in the implementation of the activities related to learning and trainings included:
1/ Each partner school organised 4-day intensive English/German language workshops for total of 35-37 students (7-8 participants
from each school, including local school). The number of students varied due to the fact that some schools’ budget allowed them to bring an extra student. Workshops took place in the INSIDE as well as the OUTSIDE the classroom context with the use of modern teaching methods and ICT tools by teachers working in the hosting school.
2/Partner schools provided classrooms for language lessons and the necessary ICT equipment (computer, OHP, interactive whiteboard,etc.)
3 / Every partner (hosting) school ensured accommodation for workshops participants.
4 / During workshops teachers from partner schools participated in methodological teacher training sessions organised by the hosting school (subjects of each session were agreed on earlier and took place according to schedule),
4 / All partner schools conducted the evaluation of workshops in the form of focus groups on the last day of workshops. Teachers and students from all countries shared their experience and discussed what they have learned during each workshop.
5 / All partner schools together produced one shared set of workshop participation rules, which were made public on the website of every school,
6 / Partner schools recruited workshop participants individually in every school. A committee cosisting of a headmaster or a deputy headmaster, foreign language teacher, a school project coordinator appointed workshops participants taking into consideration equal opportunities and the participation of students with learning dificulties or social obsticles.
Participants preparation and their safety was secured through:
1/ Prior to each mobility partner schools gathered information about the hosting schools by visiting its websites and facebook / Instagram page, this information was later presented to the workshops participants and their parents.
2 / Students and teachers gathered and familiarised themselves with the information about the history, customs and the culture of all countries participating in the project.
3 / School coordinators and teachers of foreign languages participated in a Skype video-confrerence prior to every mobility. During the conference they discussed the most important organizational issues (mobility timetable, budget, travel information etc.).
4 / Before the trip school coordinators conducted organizational meetings and presented the participants with specific information about the hosting school, travel plans, place of accommodation, means of transport etc,
5 / The school coordinator and the headmaster phone and/or e-mail contact was provided to the partcipants. The participants were in regular contact with with the school and students’ parents.
6 / The tutor of each group (foreign language teacher) was the group’s mentor during trips, excursions etc; he / she also provided the necessary language support for workshops participants,
7 / All workshops participants were granted travel insurance and the EHIC card.
First activity – Austria – “Culture Vulture” – 11-2018
Description of the activity:
4-day International Intensive Language Workshops (English & German) at Vocational School Eibiswald, AUSTIRA. The total number of 29 students and 7 from local school participated in 2 intensive language courses – English and German. The students were divided into 2 international groups of students with each group attending a 28-hour language course (7 hours each workshop day, 4 workshop days each meeting) taught by teachers from Vocational School Eibiswald and Bad Gleichenberg. The classes covered topics related to culture, music, arts, literature and poetry (“Music and art speaks the same language”). Workshop “World Café” (Introduction game): Austrian students and teachers from former projects worked together with international groups of students! Language: English
Students participated in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – increased their motivation to expand their English and German vocabulary and improved their language skills, – learned about innovative self-study methods and English/German language resources available online, – overcame their fear to speak English /German by learning in an international environment and had a better chance to speak these languages, – developed cultural awareness and open-mindedness respected to other nations, – had an opportunity to meet and make friends from other European countries, – enhanced their self-esteem and had a sense of achievement. Teachers participating in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – gained new knowledge of innovative teaching methods and ICT tools used for teaching English/German vocabulary and practiced language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), – had an opportunity to observe English/German classes taught by their Austrian colleagues, – gained access to a number of teaching resources (lesson plans, PowerPoints, worksheets etc), prepared and tested by their Austrian colleagues, that they are able to use in their own language classrooms, – had an opportunity to work and exchange their experiences with teachers from other European countries, – broadened their professional horizons and developed cultural awareness.
Main Workshops:
Workshop “paperchase” (to get to know the culture and surrounding of the local area): Groupwork in international students teams, leaded by austrian students! Language English and German
Workshop “Wine culture Austria” (To see the differences in agriculture, behavour or taste): Teachers of the local vocational school of tourism described and showed the topic in English! Language: English and German
Workshop “Coffee House Culture” (How to make Special types of coffee): Teachers of the local vocational school of tourism described and showed the topic in English! Language: English and German
Workshop “Arts and Poetry” (Use english language in a poetry way): Perfect English lesson with the use of a interactive TV and appropriate Software, bought just for this Project! Language: English
Workshop “Music and Dance” (Recreate the text of a typical austrian song, get tought a typical styrian Dance): Austrian Teachers worked together with international Groups to create a Songtext matching to the Project! One of the teachers invited his local Dance Group with adults and Kids to teach the famours austrian Dance “Schuhplattler”! Language: English and German
Second activity – Poland – “Food, glorious food!” – 03-2019
Description of the activity:
4-day International Intensive Language Workshops (English & German) at Zespol Szkol Ponadgimnazjalnyh w Drawsku Pomorskim. The total number of 28 students and 7 from local school participated in 2 intensive language courses – English and German. The students were divided into 2 international groups of students with each group attending a 28-hour language course (7 hours each workshop day, 4 workshop days each meeting) taught by teachers from Zespol Szkol Ponadgimnazjalnyh w Drawsku Pomorskim. The classes covered topics related to healthy eating and food preparation. Workshop “Ice-Breaking Activites” (Get to know each other in a funny way): Polish former participants did Group games to get to know each other better! Language: English and German
Students participated in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – increased their motivation to expand their English and German vocabulary and improved their language skills, – learned about innovative self-study methods and English/German language resources available online, – overcame their fear to speak English /German by learning in an international environment and had a better chance to speak these languages, – developed cultural awareness and open-mindedness respected to other nations, – had an opportunity to meet and make friends from other European countries, – enhanced their self-esteem and had a sense of achievement. Teachers participating in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – gained new knowledge of innovative teaching methods and ICT tools used for teaching English/German vocabulary and practiced language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), – had an opportunity to observe English/German classes taught by their Polish colleagues, – gained access to a number of teaching resources (lesson plans, PowerPoints, worksheets etc), prepared and tested by their Polish colleagues, that they are able to use in their own language classrooms, – had an opportunity to work and exchange their experiences with teachers from other European countries, – broadened their professional horizons and developed cultural awareness.
Main Workshops:
Workshop “Ice-Breaking Activites” (Get to know each other in a funny way): Polish former participants did Group games to get to know each other better! Language: English and German
Workshop “Carving Activities” (Food carving workshop with local specialist): Students had the chance to do fruits and vegetable carvings leaded by a special teacher! Language: English and German
Workshop “Language” (Special English and German Food-Topic-Lessons with polish teachers): Creative Methodology Lessons with the use of the interactive Whiteboards and games! Language: English and German
Workshop “Language and Cooking” (Learn how to cook typical polish food): Polish teachers work together with international students groups to get to know the recipe of Pierogi and prepared the dish with them! Language: English and German
Third activity – Hungary – “School is cool” – 06-2019
Description of the activity:
4-day International Intensive Language Workshops (English & German) at Budapesti Müszaki Szakképzési Centrum Újpesti Két Tanítási Nyelvü Müszaki Szakgimnáziuma és Szakközépiskolája. The total number of 30 guest students and 7 from local school participated in 2 intensive language courses – English and German. The students were divided into 2 international groups of students with each group attending a 28-hour language course (7 hours each workshop day, 4 workshop days each meeting) taught by teachers from Budapesti Müszaki Szakképzési Centrum Újpesti Két Tanítási Nyelvü Müszaki Szakgimnáziuma és Szakközépiskolája. The classes covered topics related to a modern School and education in XXI century. Lanuage: Englisch and German.
Students participated in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – increased their motivation to expand their English and German vocabulary and improved their language skills, – learned about innovative self-study methods and English/German language resources available online, – overcame their fear to speak English /German by learning in an international environment and had a better chance to speak these languages, – developed cultural awareness and open-mindedness respected to other nations, – had an opportunity to meet and make friends from other European countries, – enhanced their self-esteem and had a sense of achievement. Teachers participating in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – gained new knowledge of innovative teaching methods and ICT tools used for teaching English/German vocabulary and practiced language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), – had an opportunity to observe English/German classes taught by their Hungarian colleagues, – gained access to a number of teaching resources (lesson plans, PowerPoints, worksheets etc), prepared and tested by their Hungarian colleagues, that they are able to use in their own language classrooms, – had an opportunity to work and exchange their experiences with teachers from other European countries, – broadened their professional horizons and developed cultural awareness.
Main Workshops:
Workshop “Ice Breaking Activity” (Group work with hungarian students): Hungarian students worked together with an international Group of students on different Topics to get to know each other! Lanugage: English and German
Workshop “School is cool Maths Lesson” (Students explore hungarian School with math puzzles): International students Groups were encouraged to talk to each other in English or German (depend on mother tounge or language Level) to solve math puzzles around School.
Workshop “Vision of a 21st century European School” (Group work with hungarian students including a closing presentation): IT and Language Lesson in which students should imagine how School could be in the future! Language: Englisch
Workshop “Open-Air School is cool” (A variety of Math, Dance, Singing/Music, Biology and Literature lessons in a Kind of circle Training) Language: English and German
Workshop “Bringo-Tour” (Explore Margaret Island): Explored the famous Island in international Groups with the Music Fountain as a Meeting Point at the end! Language: English and German
Workshop “Science Wonders” (Visited the Center of Scientific Wonders in Obuda/Budapest): Explored this Museum and its interactive games! Language: English and German
Workshop “iWalk” (Interactive Hisitory lesson in the Jewish district): Enjoyed a guided tour through this cultural part of Budapest! Language: English and German
Fourth activity – France – “One team, one dream” – 10-2019
Description of the activity:
4-day International Intensive Language Workshops (English) at LP Adam de Craponne, FRANCE. The total number of 29 guest students and 7 local students participated in an intensive language courses – English (At the time of the mobility there weren’t any German teachers available in the French school, only about 10 students take German lessons in the French school). The students were divided into 2 international groups of students with each group attending a 28-hour language course (7 hours each workshop day, 4 workshop days each meeting) taught by teachers at LP Adam de Craponne, FRANCE. The classes covered topics related to school, education and methods or learning to learn (“ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM”).
Students participated in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – increased their motivation to expand their English (French partner school did not offer German lessons for above explained reason) vocabulary and improved their language skills, – learned about innovative self-study methods and English language resources available online, – overcame their fear to speak English by learning in an international environment and had a better chance to speak these languages, – developed cultural awareness and open-mindedness respected to other nations, – had an opportunity to meet and make friends from other European countries, – enhanced their self-esteem and had a sense of achievement. Teachers participating in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – gained new knowledge of innovative teaching methods and ICT tools used for teaching English vocabulary and practiced language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), – had an opportunity to observe English classes taught by their French colleagues, – gained access to a number of teaching resources (lesson plans, PowerPoints, worksheets etc), prepared and tested by their French colleagues, that they are able to use in their own language classrooms, – had an opportunity to work and exchange their experiences with teachers from other European countries, – broadened their professional horizons and developed cultural awareness.
Main Workshops:
Workshop “Treasure Hunt” (Ice-Breaking Activitiy to get to know each other): French students explored the City of Salon-de-Provence together with an international students Group each as a Kind of competition! Language: English
Workshop “ICT English Lesson” (In each lesson two Groups work on specific Topics) Language: Englisch
Workshop “Create a song” (each students Group work on a song text for the Project like a Sports hymne) Language: English
Workshop “Sports” (in mixed up international Groups students had to pass different Sports activities, inlucing typical local French Sports activities) Language: English Workshop “Learn to play golf with a professional British golf player and teacher” (the students are divided into 3 groups and are taught on the practice area, the putting area and finally on the golf course) Language : English.
This activity is also part of the school sport curriculum for more advanced and deserving students.
Fifth activity – Spain – “What’s the news” – 03-2020
Description of the activity:
4-day International Intensive Language Workshops (English) at IES Lucus Solis, SPAIN. The total number of 30 guest studentsand 7 local students participated in an intensive language Course – Englisch (The School doesn’t teach Geman!). The students worked in an international group of students attending a 28-hour language course (7 hours each workshop day, 4 workshop days each meeting) taught by teachers at IES Lucus Solis, SPAIN. The classes covered topics related to school, education and methods or learning to learn (“WHAT’S THE NEWS”).
Students participated in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – increased their motivation to expand their English (Spanish partner school do not have German Lessons) vocabulary and improved their language skills, – learned about innovative self-study methods and English language resources available online, – overcame their fear to speak English by learning in an international environment and had a better chance to speak these languages, – developed cultural awareness and open-mindedness respected to other nations, – had an opportunity to meet and make friends from other European countries, – enhanced their self-esteem and had a sense of achievement. Teachers participating in the 4-day international intensive language workshops – gained new knowledge of innovative teaching methods and ICT tools used for teaching English vocabulary and practiced language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), – had an opportunity to observe English classes taught by their Spanish colleagues, – gained access to a number of teaching resources (lesson plans, PowerPoints, worksheets etc), prepared and tested by their Spanish colleagues, that they are able to use in their own language classrooms, – had an opportunity to work and exchange their experiences with teachers from other European countries, – broadened their professional horizons and developed cultural awareness.
Main Workshops:
Workshop “Find someone who” (Ice-Breaking Activity to get to know each other) Language: English
Workshop “Flamenco” (Participant got to know this famous Dance!) Language: English
Workshop “Language Workshop” (Students got to know how to write news for a newspaper and work together in mixed up Groups/pairs to create an newspaper article depending on one part of the whole Project) Language: Englisch
Workshop “Testimonials” (Students learned how to write testimonials) Language: English
Workshop “Editing and Printing” (Together with ICT teachers students had to edit and print their newspaper) Language: English