Pedagogy

These pages contain links to word files, pdfs and websites containing articles about important aspects of learning and teaching languages. They are pages that we will develop over time as we continue to debate and discuss.

The Importance of Pedagogy

Teaching and Learning – Pedagogy – have always been at the heart of language education. In recent years they have taken on perhaps greater importance as the stakes have become higher. Some of the reasons for this – and possible implications for policy are set out in this article from 2002 - Improving the Quality of language learning in schools. The thinking behind this also influenced the Languages Review. Although with hindsight we might now want to change some things – for example about the need for learners to understand the learning process, and also the kinds of CPD that are likely to be most effective, the document still stands as a contribution to our current debates.

The Council of Europe and Communicative Language Teaching

A starting point for discussion is likely to be the work of the Council of Europe, and specifically The Common European Framework of Reference, which is much more than a set of level descriptors. It is a comprehensive description of the processes of teaching, learning and assessing languages. As well as the text itself a summary and background information can be found on the Council of Europe website.

Although the Framework claims to be neutral as far as any particular methodology is concerned and does indeed provide the means to analyse a wide range of approaches to language learning, it is clearly based in the context of the Council of Europe’s earlier work on Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), much of which was published only in paper versions. There are however a number of useful summaries of CLT on the web . This is something that we will be developing further in the coming year.

Support from Partners

Our partners also promote pedagogical discussion through a range of events and publications. CILT has a long tradition of conferences, seminars and publications on language learning and teaching as well as a focused Primary Languages website. OFSTED also produce reviews of languages in England. The latest one The Changing Landscape of Languages sets out some of the key issues in relation to learning and teaching languages.

In addition to its conference and discussion programmes, The Association for Language Learning produces a number of key journals including the Language Learning Journal. The new Links into Languages regional centres will also be supporting classroom teaching and learning. The revised Key Stage 3 Framework will also be supported by guidance and case studies. For information and resources supporting language learning the multilingual Lingu@net-Europa website is an invaluable resource.

Two Key Issues

Two current issues of great importance are CLIL – Content and Language Integrated Learning – which is provoking great interest in all phases, and the ongoing discussion about the best use of the Target Language. A National Statement and Guidelines on CLIL were published in July. We will be publishing a further document on the use of language in the classroom later in 2009. In the meantime if you have a particular interest and would like to be involved in any ongoing debate please contact us.

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