Post on 26-Jan-2016
description
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures Directorate of
External Relations
Outreach projects
Ameeta Chadha
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
LLC working in schools: problems and solutions
• Current projects
• Work with students
• Work with schools
• Questions
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Current Projects
• Sharing Words
• Keep Talking
• VI Form Days
• University of Manchester Insight into Languages Programme (UMILAP)
• Bridging the Gap
• Language Teachers’ Consultative Forum (LATCOF)
• Foreign Languages Awareness Group (FLAGS)
• “Why Study Languages” presentation
• Taster sessions
• Arabica
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Sharing Words
• Uses native speaking Erasmus students to provide conversation classes in Manchester schools
• Working with GCSE and A Level classes to enhance learners’ oral provision, confidence and competence
• Erasmus students gain transferable skills as well as enhancing their cultural integration during their year abroad
• School pupils learn about the culture of the country whose language they are learning
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Keep Talking
• A three strand programme of support to KS3 pupils and their teachers
• This programme is designed to motivate KS3 pupils and encourage language uptake in KS4 and beyond
• Strand A - Current undergraduate language students provide classroom assistance in local schools
• Strand B – Pupils visit the University to find out more about studying languages at University
• Strand C – Teachers’ Symposia
• Funded by HEIF(3)
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
VI Form Days: A2 Level
• Curricula-targeted language study workshops for year 13 pupils to support and encourage post-16 and University level study
• This project aims to motivate and build confidence in the four essential skills tested in their formal examinations
• Pupils experience University life by being on campus, using University facilities and being taught by University staff
• Interaction with current students allows pupils to find out more about studying languages at University.
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
UMILAP – University of Manchester Insight into Languages Programme
• Structured campus visits for KS4 pupils (years 10-11) to raise aspirations and awareness of studying languages
• Pupils are given access to open language-learning technologies in our Language Centre
• Talks about language provision, careers and life as a student provide them with a greater knowledge of studying languages at degree level
• Interaction with current students and the visit to the campus allows pupils to find out more about University life.
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Bridging the Gap: AS Level
• Language enhancement days for year 12 pupils (have previously run this for year 11 pupils)
• This project addresses the transitions in language study from AS to A2 level or GCSE to AS level
• Focuses on grammatical knowledge, oral competence and writing skills
• Teaching materials for the day are closely aligned to exam-based curricula.
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Language Teachers’ Consultative Forum (LATCOF)
• Early evening meetings monthly for regional language teachers from secondary/VI form and HE (U of M only)
• Meetings focus on thematic issues, e.g. grammar teaching; motivating take-up of language learning, mutual understanding of pedagogical approaches and curricular design
• Notes from meetings are disseminated on the External Relations website to enable wider access of best practice and a strategic review of curricula and methodologies.
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Foreign Languages Awareness Groups (FLAGS)
• Undergraduate students act as peer mentors to promote less widely taught languages to schools and colleges in the north west
• Languages currently part of the FLAGS programme are Russian, Italian and Portuguese with lessons being developed in Middle Eastern languages
• Purpose-built webCT materials create a virtual learning environment to deliver beginner-level sessions to introduce year 11-13 pupils to a new language and culture.
• Mentors build up supportive relationships with their mentees which can extend into their year abroad.
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
“Why Study Languages” talk
• Members of School staff deliver the Subject-centre’s presentation “Why Study languages?” to schools and colleges, adapted to reflect University of Manchester provision
• Usual audiences are: year 9 to encourage KS4 take-up; years 10 &11 to encourage VI form take-up; years 12-13 to encourage University take-up
• The talk promotes the purpose of learning languages and examines the social and professional benefits of possessing language skills
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Arabica
• Supporting the development of a network of teachers of Arabic and those with an interest in Arabic through providing administrative support to the Arabica project
• This includes building up a database of contacts and maintaining the Arabica website
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
WORK WITH STUDENTS
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Types of students
• Undergraduates – helping in lessons within schools, leading campus tours, talking about life as a language student, talking about the year abroad, acting as a student mentor (virtual and real)
• Postgraduates – assisting with activities within the Language Centre, developing materials for the website
• Erasmus students – Sharing Words project within schools, Question and Answer sessions with native speakers, adding the cultural dimension
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Working with Students - Problems
• Reliability – students cancelling at the last minute
• Agreeing to go into schools but changing their minds
• Getting busy as term goes on and realising they don’t have enough time
• Timetable changes in second semester
• Differences in holiday and exam periods between University and School
• Year abroad – students aren’t around for long
• Costs
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Working with Students - Benefits for them
• Students who are planning on doing a PGCE can benefit from the work experience
• It can prepare 2nd year students for their 3rd year placements abroad
• It looks good on their CV and helps them to stand out from the crowd
• Extra money from a flexible job
• They enjoy the work!
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
WORK WITH SCHOOLS
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Working with Schools - Organisation
• Schools database
• Timing – term times, exams, working day
• Contact with teachers
• Logistical issues – permission from Head, consent forms for pupils, supply cover
• Risk Assessments
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Working with Schools - Problems
• Differences in holidays and busy periods
• Contact with teachers
• Logistical issues
• Costs
• Ownership of project – rearranging lessons, asking for extra hours
• Lack of communication - no feedback about how the students are getting on
• Drop out rate – last minute cancellations or not turning up on the day for events
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Working with Schools – Benefits for them
• There is better communication between schools and Universities
• Schools have support in their aim to encourage language study
• Access to resources they don’t have – Language Centre, native speaking students etc.
• Pupils can interact with students and learn more about University – this can help to raise aspirations
• Increased numbers of pupils taking languages
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
QUESTIONS?
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
Contact details
External Relations Manager:
Ameeta Chadha
Ameeta.chadha@manchester.ac.uk 0161 275 8059
Project Officer (Sharing Words, FLAGS, VI Form Days, Bridging the Gap):
Gabriele Ashcroft
Gabriele.ashcroft@manchester.ac.uk 0161 275 3429
Website: www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/ExternalRelations/
http://www.llc.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/support-schools/Combining the strengths of UMIST andThe Victoria University of Manchester
School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures