tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59883506833820778862024-03-13T18:14:05.739+00:00My LanguagesResources, Research, News and Views about Language Teaching and Learning in the UKIsabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-81859018195099859722020-10-10T13:16:00.000+01:002020-10-10T13:16:33.498+01:00No Travel No Problem! -Bringing Languages Alive During a Pandemic-Seneca MFL Conference 10 October 2020<p> I had a great time at the Seneca Virtual MFL Conference today.</p><p>Here is a copy of my slides:</p><p><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/no-travel-no-problembringing-languages-alive-during-a-pandemic">https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/no-travel-no-problembringing-languages-alive-during-a-pandemic</a></p><p>More resources from the conference can be found <a href="https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/blog/seneca-virtual-conference-mfl/">here</a>.</p><p>Enjoy! </p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-22048694237394046032020-09-26T23:17:00.000+01:002020-09-26T23:17:33.668+01:00"Music, Rhythm and Grammar-Supporting Recall", TM Modern Foreign Languages Icons event, Saturday 26 September 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarY4FFshVqZNXUU6NCLOmDziArAVXguOvYjIbS4fGVbp6aCaZHCMq5BK1G1anbVnKGUIv8S-mjB4O2WZoqZekQOc8dMjPKHPloiEFMa0g9AuQqczsPJEjhMVV4xUyr3g2s83aKT0L-7GR/s680/TM+Icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarY4FFshVqZNXUU6NCLOmDziArAVXguOvYjIbS4fGVbp6aCaZHCMq5BK1G1anbVnKGUIv8S-mjB4O2WZoqZekQOc8dMjPKHPloiEFMa0g9AuQqczsPJEjhMVV4xUyr3g2s83aKT0L-7GR/s320/TM+Icons.jpg" /></a></div>I had a great time at the TM Modern Foreign Languages event this morning. There certainly was a great variety of topics and presenters and now I am truly buzzing with new ideas...<p></p><p>Please find a link here to my presentation on " <b><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/music-rythm-grammar-supporting-recall ">Music, Rhythm and Grammar-Supporting Recall</a></b>" :</p><p>Really looking forward to try in my classroom all the new ideas that were shared!</p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-60243728855384276892020-08-30T23:26:00.000+01:002020-08-30T23:26:11.665+01:00Music and Technology: Making Language Learning Memorable, a TiLT Webinar-Thursday 29 August 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fHGPVW_IqssIIJTY3YLKZPS-W3TfIv7PvU__hMwaLl5SmttKMQv6UM5Wa8CRO_183XTrNJIk6MVGaDKj5A-rb3yieOAk3T8X_OE1blaSVXa0yq5yEz2FNNafDQKUvUM2SCDjli-f4LHR/s721/matthijs-smit-N-VDzD5z71E-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fHGPVW_IqssIIJTY3YLKZPS-W3TfIv7PvU__hMwaLl5SmttKMQv6UM5Wa8CRO_183XTrNJIk6MVGaDKj5A-rb3yieOAk3T8X_OE1blaSVXa0yq5yEz2FNNafDQKUvUM2SCDjli-f4LHR/s640/matthijs-smit-N-VDzD5z71E-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have always been a strong advocate for using music in the Languages classroom and was delighted to be offered to present a TiLT Webinar for <a href="http://www.all-london.org.uk/site/index.php/webinars/" target="_blank">ALL London</a> on this topic.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have been a member of ALL, <a href="https://www.all-languages.org.uk/" target="_blank">the Association for Language Learning</a> for as long as I can remember and their programme of <a href="http://www.all-london.org.uk/site/index.php/webinars/" target="_blank">free Webinars</a> to support language teachers during the pandemic has simply been amazing. Co-hosted by ALL London chair <a href="http://twitter.com/HelenMyers" target="_blank">Helen Myers</a> and ICT expert <a href="http://twitter.com/joedale" target="_blank">Joe Dale</a>, there are now more 50 TiLT Webinars that can be accessed through <a href="http://www.all-london.org.uk/site/index.php/webinars/webinar-database-link/" target="_blank">the ALL London website</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/joedale100" target="_blank">Joe's YouTube</a> channel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In my webinar, I shared a range of tools and ideas for integrating music in activities in and outside the classroom. We looked at streaming platforms like Spotify, recording tools and apps as well as sites to source free beats and loops to support pupils' creativity and memorisation of language.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also presented tools to use melody, rhythm and song lyrics to enhance pupils' enjoyment, motivation and support their recall of key language structures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I showed different resources to develop teachers' knowledge in order to link music and song lyrics to the culture of the Target-Language countries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Last but not least, I shared how specific websites, apps and social media can support teachers in discovering new artists and tracks from a range of Target-Language countries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My slides can be downloaded from <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/1-tilt29-augmusic-and-languages" target="_blank">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A copy of the chat discussion and the recording of the webinar is available from <a href="http://www.all-london.org.uk/site/index.php/webinars/a-tilt-webinar-with-isabelle-jones-music-and-technology-making-language-learning-memorable/" target="_blank">ALL London website</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/mPsfUAKs_S0" target="_blank">Joe Dale's YouTube channel</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The following collaborative Wakelets were started in the session:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">French <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=5665d3a" target="_blank">https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=5665d3a</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;">Spanish </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=882ab34" target="_blank">https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=882ab34</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;">German </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=792a9af" target="_blank">https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=792a9af</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;">Songs for young learners </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=ad5b361" target="_blank">https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=ad5b361</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Muli, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Lucida Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;">Do join in and share your favourite songs to teach languages....</span></div>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-3089902011178108502020-07-28T23:29:00.003+01:002020-07-28T23:40:06.863+01:00Twitter Summer Foreign Language Bookclub !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QVzzqbQlBkbBi8Nxw8gRqhijidKk0NcWGeLmwm5j__kHDyz1cV3VbCHGkzgdIRUYWccX0gup4QCOYuv1NjTSqmTjEcF_wi9rYRrrdMwIl6SArVNQ0Ykm3Xr94lXPop7DYYF0RlMgB3lO/s640/joel-muniz-XqXJJhK-c08-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QVzzqbQlBkbBi8Nxw8gRqhijidKk0NcWGeLmwm5j__kHDyz1cV3VbCHGkzgdIRUYWccX0gup4QCOYuv1NjTSqmTjEcF_wi9rYRrrdMwIl6SArVNQ0Ykm3Xr94lXPop7DYYF0RlMgB3lO/s320/joel-muniz-XqXJJhK-c08-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It all started on <a href=" http://twitter.com/icpjones " target="_blank">Twitter</a>… After Jane
Basnett, <a href="http://twitter.com/basnettj" target="_blank">@basnettj</a> asked her
Twitter network for suggestions to create a list of French books for French
teachers to enjoy over the summer.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After posting the link to her list, I agreed to add a page
for Spanish books and Sonja Fedrizzi, <a href="http://twitter.com/FedrizziSonja" target="_blank">@FedrizziSonja</a> offered
to make a page for German books<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You can download the list by clicking <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KdJKEjskh1z3XgSq-tmpOhgiu0iDD_xculNiLGkBsmo/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here </a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the various recommendations I was given by
many Spanish teacher colleagues, I was also told about other exciting
opportunities to practise the language, such as …<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carne-cruda-grandes-escritoras-actuales-tomo-y-lomo-713/id925651075?i=1000483161623" target="_blank">The Tomo y Lomo podcast</a></b> in Spanish about famous contemporary
writers</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-esc%C3%B3bula-de-la-br%C3%BAjula/id647849954" target="_blank">La escóbula de la brújula,</a></b> cultural podcast in Spanish also
featuring contemporary literature<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I also found out about the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/698158087202736/about" target="_blank">MFL virtual book club</a> run on
Facebook by <a href="http://twitter.com/katelanguages" target="_blank">@katelanguages</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Do join the foreign language book conversation on Twitter
and Facebook and feel free to leave a comment to recommend a book from the list… Enjoy and Thank you Merci Gracias!</p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-86966277868131573322020-07-10T19:49:00.000+01:002020-07-10T19:49:14.156+01:00Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Modern Languages Options: What is it and What is the point?<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-VOmu1Jb8P3vTS6KdRQVi9pNlhDTwjdymdFNDTUTzttz-1XhaDlFEZnX5yv6Rs7EPDe38P7v0BbMTtMcPQIIa3SKYAwPbWoqfsYmP_i4Ak-BRXjM-5eFSNe-oawDjBjACauyA1TjcfrW/s2048/green-chameleon-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-VOmu1Jb8P3vTS6KdRQVi9pNlhDTwjdymdFNDTUTzttz-1XhaDlFEZnX5yv6Rs7EPDe38P7v0BbMTtMcPQIIa3SKYAwPbWoqfsYmP_i4Ak-BRXjM-5eFSNe-oawDjBjACauyA1TjcfrW/s320/green-chameleon-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The EPQ is
not a new qualification but discussing it with <a href="http://twitter.com/NicktheOnion" target="_blank">Nick Brown</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">,
Head of Languages at Lincoln Castle Academy, I started to understand its real potential
to promote languages…</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I first came
across the EPQ at my previous school. Like in many schools, it was used as a
way to enrich the curriculum in the VI Form. As such, it is a way to get
learners to get a Level 3 qualification as well as develop their research
skills and engage with content that is within and beyond the curriculum. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Full details
about the qualification can be found <a href="https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-project-qualification/level-3.html" target="_blank">here</a> </span>and the <a href="https://www.pearson.com/uk/web/future-ready.html" target="_blank">Future Ready website</a> but the main feature of the qualification is that, following their own in-depth
study, students are asked to produce a project with ONE of the following
outcomes:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <span> </span></span></span></span>A dissertation</li><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->An investigation or a field study</li><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A performance</li><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->An artefact</li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The work submitted for assessment must be produced in
English but-and this is VERY important for language teachers-the research and supporting
notes can be in ANY language, which would naturally occur by listening,
speaking, reading and note-taking in the language.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If the project is used to complement A Level teaching and
learning, the topics can be inspired by some of the A Level work, provided it
does not replicate their Independent Research Project (IRP). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The project can also allow students to explore their cultural
heritage or the cultural heritage of other people in the community as well as
offer them an opportunity to pursue an interest outside of the curriculum. This
could be of particular interest for EAL students, as a way to celebrate their
cultural heritage, enhance their literacy in English as well as gain a
recognised Level 3 qualification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Examples of projects for MFL could include:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Has French cinema been a major influence on the world stage?
(dissertation-extension from A Level film study)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Is Colombian Spanish a better dialect than other forms?
(dissertation)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What trends can be seen in the use of slang words by modern
day German teenagers? (investigation/field study)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interpretation/Performance of a play <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Short film in the style of a specific director (artefact)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Self-published book of new translations of poems (artefact)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you would like to register your interest in the Extended
Project Qualification (EPQ) or find out more information about MFL-focused
titles, click <a href="https://support.pearson.com/uk/s/qualification-contactus" target="_blank">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>And there is more…. </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The EPQ is also available for KS4
pupils</b> as a Higher Project Qualification (HPQ, Level 2 qualification) and a Foundation Project
Qualification (FPQ, Level 1 qualification). Like the EPQ these qualifications aim to develop learner’s
transferable skills and preparing them to the world of work by making them more
organised and independent. More details <a href="https://www.pearson.com/uk/web/future-ready/project-qualification-express.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-32511177111140123142020-07-08T14:36:00.001+01:002020-07-08T14:36:36.277+01:00Ofqual Consultation: Suggested Changes for the Assessment of A Levels and GCSEs in Modern Foreign Languages in 2021<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjVgEVKUxwaKEgKSqIgPpXwz74aYDvSy99i6wxrCByLZO5RjhLWKlYtsXt68kEdd9y-wHa4dDQj8CN0fOLzSR088eCCj-334AzHkQUFWE6rk0dZyz7yLKuXNQdHb51PXbiJEJQiY0IWdl/s300/Ofqual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjVgEVKUxwaKEgKSqIgPpXwz74aYDvSy99i6wxrCByLZO5RjhLWKlYtsXt68kEdd9y-wHa4dDQj8CN0fOLzSR088eCCj-334AzHkQUFWE6rk0dZyz7yLKuXNQdHb51PXbiJEJQiY0IWdl/" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ofqual is
currently conducting a very important </span><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/897137/Consultation_on_proposed_changes_to_the_assessment_of_GCSEs__AS_and_A_levels_in_2021_020620.pdf" style="font-size: 12pt;">consultation including proposals tomodify the assessment requirements for some GCSEs, AS and A levels</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in response
to disruption to education caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the face
of “lost” teaching time during lockdown, the proposals aim to free up teaching
time and, in some instances, reduce what needs to be taught and take account of
any public health restrictions relating to coronavirus (COVID19) that might be
in place during the next academic year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A
“recovery” curriculum? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There have
been lots of discussions about how current Year 10 and Year 12 pupils have been
affected by the pandemic in the preparation for next year’s exams as they have had
limited access to face-to-face teaching since the end of March. In particular,
the debate has been around the need of a possible “recovery” curriculum or at
the very least a “responsive” curriculum to deal with the knowledge gaps that
may have developed and that could hinder students’ further progress. This has
highlighted the differences between school settings and the pressure on some
schools to narrow the curriculum for some pupils to ensure standards in Maths
and English were not put at risk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Consultation
about assessment NOT Curriculum review<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What this
consultation is <u>not,</u> is some kind of a statement about the importance of
subjects and their respective content and skills. However, you would be
forgiven for believing this was the case, reading some of the online debates it
has created.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Suggestions
for Languages A Level and GCSE 2021 exams<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWInlCSEQiyicYOivArvEnah8p0q0r_tEDEjveNp9jY0YBTGkNG6o8Nx1z9layXHw8cLvx316TAWYsNC6mVy0pprrl4ZtjCagLb26CfAzR_HhY_BDBO74pNjdlxCj4AoL_3LvN5ymj0uH/s957/GCSE+2021+consultation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="957" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWInlCSEQiyicYOivArvEnah8p0q0r_tEDEjveNp9jY0YBTGkNG6o8Nx1z9layXHw8cLvx316TAWYsNC6mVy0pprrl4ZtjCagLb26CfAzR_HhY_BDBO74pNjdlxCj4AoL_3LvN5ymj0uH/w500-h210/GCSE+2021+consultation.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whereas no modifications
have been put forward for A Level, the proposals for Modern Languages GCSEs are
quite controversial : the Speaking examination would be replaced by a teacher “endorsement”
for Speaking but it would not actually count in the exam, with the overall grade
only taking Listening, Reading and Writing into account. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although
there is no denying that cancelling speaking exams would result in gained
teaching time, this proposal also causes a number of issues:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Students
do usually well</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> in speaking
even though it can be stressful for some ;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There would
be a noticeable <b>imbalance</b> in the overall grade between the productive
and receptive skills ;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although
speaking would still be taught, it may lose its priority in the face of further
time constraints and the pressure of imposed subject targets ;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The class
focus moving away from speaking would particularly <b>affect pupils from
disadvantaged backgrounds </b>who may not have opportunities for further
practice ;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The decision
would most likely <b>impact on A Level recruitment for 2021-22</b> as the perceived
success in speaking the language is key for motivation and enjoyment. However, given
that the basis for the decision to carry on with languages for many students is
still “success” measured by exam outcomes, ensuring a fair exam and best
outcomes might be just as important for A Level recruitment ;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is also
a worry that dropping the speaking exam could have a <b>negative impact on attitudes</b>
towards speaking and languages in general in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, what
is the way forward?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Look at the <b>coverage
of topics</b>? The teaching of the Social Issues topic is usually kept at the
end of the course and maybe could be scrapped to make up for lost curriculum
time during the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Go the
“Welsh way”?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Keep the
assessment standards in all 4 skills and at the same level but make amendments
such as streamlining the coverage of some of the topics or skills assessed. For
instance, no translation in the reading paper or no Role-Play and Photocard in
the speaking exam. I would still be against using dictionaries in any of the
exams as I feel this could be very distracting for students. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We will
all agree that students must not have their qualification devalued and it is
important that the standards remain the same</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> even if some aspects of the assessment are
simplified. For this reason, I believe that the overall standard of GCSEs in
modern languages cannot be maintained without any speaking being counted at all
in the overall mark. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Want to
share your own views? Have your say and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-assessment-of-gcses-as-and-a-levels-in-2021">respond to the consultation before 16July at 11.45pm</a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now is the
time to <a href="https://www.all-languages.org.uk/join/">join ALL</a>, the Association for Language Learning, our subject association, to make sure our voice is heard</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ALL is also
organising a <b>consultation webinar on Friday 10 July for all language
teachers</b>. To register, please click <b><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-ofqual-consultation-webinar-registration-112524766606" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-65425046042439924912020-07-03T15:05:00.001+01:002020-07-03T15:05:56.486+01:00Lessons from Lockdown<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd9Yb6OyuRrtQoQgtqyscOWVG7QT_rycKlrSrAzefDM8P63tlXNeIqHnet3kU8MClEx4j2AAYSeU-AFnK4osx6t8fIemRcP7b_xR0Jf6eSQrxl4m8a08nt-pQ5yryxqGVA5yu8CN2_57p/s750/photo-1531379410502-63bfe8cdaf6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd9Yb6OyuRrtQoQgtqyscOWVG7QT_rycKlrSrAzefDM8P63tlXNeIqHnet3kU8MClEx4j2AAYSeU-AFnK4osx6t8fIemRcP7b_xR0Jf6eSQrxl4m8a08nt-pQ5yryxqGVA5yu8CN2_57p/w266-h400/photo-1531379410502-63bfe8cdaf6f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lockdown is continuing to be very
hectic and intense for teachers. I have asked my online teacher network about
what lockdown has meant for them and this is what I was told…</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lockdown has highlighted the
importance of students’ intrinsic motivation and home support and the large
impact they have on students’ achievements. It has also shown that teaching
needs to facilitate independence. For instance, some of the quietest students
have been seen to produce amazing work that they would never have produced in
class for fear of drawing attention to themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, lockdown has also sparked
creativity in many teachers, parents and pupils and in some case made parents
realise what teaching really is about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has also created many opportunities
for teachers to upskill, learn about blended learning, online learning and
reflect on our practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pedagogy and new tools-A few pointers</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Focusing on fewer aspects of the language
and guiding students’ practice to ensure complete mastery and success has come
out as the biggest priority<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acknowledging the need for more
repetition, practice and pace when learning vocabulary.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Understanding what it looks like from
a learner’s perspective, keeping things simple and along a linear organisation
allowing the teacher to reduce undue technical difficulties for pupils. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Developing a principled approach like
the one adopted by <a href="http://twitter.com/BarriMoc" target="_blank">@BarriMoc</a> : retrieval, short video presentation,
practice tasks (dictation, translation, gap-fill based on the content), reading
task and a writing or speaking task using <a href="https://info.flipgrid.com/" target="_blank">Flipgrid</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. Everything is then put in one
document with any resources hyperlinked to avoid needing to open and flick
between multiple tabs including <a href="https://www.textivate.com/" target="_blank">Textivate</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> or <a href="https://quizizz.com/" target="_blank">Quizziz</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Exploring the use of Bitmojis and sharing
on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2568655663438916" target="_blank">Bitmoji Craze for Educator FaceBook group</a> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Taking time to test new tools, like
<a href="https://www.genial.ly/" target="_blank">Genial.ly</a> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Turning a book-based IGCSE SoW into a
skill-driven one so that learning objectives and assessment align<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Twitter conversations</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lockdown and teaching remotely have
highlighted …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The importance of high impact, low
stakes testing for informing planning as well as improving student retrieval
and retention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That the children love to be able to
“pause” the teacher on <a href="https://www.loom.com/" target="_blank">Loom</a> </span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">so pace of explanations during
direct instruction may need to be adapted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That learners benefit from creating
sentences and actively applying vocab and grammar rules along with their own
creativity. This gives all they/we are doing a sense of value, purpose and
meaning. It creates a bond and link of learning trust between us even though we
are remote.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That in online lessons, it is a good
idea to include table of language chunks that pupils can use as a writing
scaffold. Pupils can add in suggestions too. Extension vocabulary and
structures need to be labelled explicitly. A simple example of an activity is
to get pupils to read out their Target Language phrase. Teacher highlights (on
<a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">zoom</a>) </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Another pupil translates. Creative
follow-up is then offered for further practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That your instructions are never
clear enough! It has confirmed more than ever the importance of quality
instruction, explanations, and modelling with a lot of comprehensible input and
chunks instead of single words. <a href="https://www.nch.com.au/software/voxrec.html?msclkid=086ad46592df11dfb6ce8a9aa25b87ca" target="_blank">Voice record pro</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> is great for making own listening. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, the CPD…</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There have been so many opportunities
for all teachers and especially language teachers to upskill themselves to
deliver effective language lessons remotely. I have collated many of them in a Wakelet
<a href="https://wke.lt/w/s/imZqqS" target="_blank">here</a>, with
the most prolific sources of CPD being <a href="https://www.all-languages.org.uk/join/" target="_blank">ALL</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, the <a href="http://www.all-london.org.uk/site/index.php/webinars/" target="_blank">Association for Language Learning</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, <a href="http://blog.linguascope.com/free-online-training-opportunities-for-language-teachers/" target="_blank">Linguascope</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, <a href="http://twitter.com/joedale" target="_blank">Joe Dale</a>’s MFL Twitterati
group (#mfltwitterati on Twitter) and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/110170826039641/" target="_blank">Global Innovative Language TeacherFacebook group</a> </span> <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">created by <a href="http://twitter.com/gianfrancocont9" target="_blank">Gianfranco Conti</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/MrVinalesMFL" target="_blank">Dylan Viñales</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Time to join the conversation! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-2990476959708112062020-05-03T17:43:00.004+01:002020-07-07T20:25:27.909+01:00Translation for all!-Linguascope Webinar, Thursday 16 April 2020 <div>
<a href="http://blog.linguascope.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/isabelle_jones.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blog.linguascope.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/isabelle_jones.png" width="200" /></a>I had a great time doing this Zoom seminar for<a href="https://www.linguascope.com/" target="_blank"> Linguascope.com</a> on Thursday 16 April. Thanks for having me!</div>
<div>
<br />
We had attendees from Austria, Canada, Czechia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the US.<br />
<br />
As highlighted in the title, the session was on one of my favourite language activity, translation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Are translation exam questions ‘real’ translation tasks? What about online translators? Can translation activities be used to motivate pupils?<br />
<br />
Yes! I believe Translation can be used effectively and creatively in and out of the classroom to get pupils to understand idioms better and the culture from Target Language countries.<br />
Amongst other things, the session presented a wide range of translation activities to develop pupils’ knowledge of syntax, the complexity and accuracy of their sentence-building as well as their cultural awareness. (KS2 to KS5)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: nonbreakingspaceoverride, "hoefler text", garamond, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 1.476; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 58rem; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 4rem); word-break: break-word;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/436122834/e37accdf51" target="_blank"><font color="#e22658"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; transition-duration: 0.15s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: linear;">Watch the recording</span></font> </a>– <a href="http://shopresources.linguascope.com/training/Isabelle_Jones/Translation_for_all_Linguascope.ppt" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; color: #e22658; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: all 0.15s linear 0s; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Download the presentation</a></span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-75511727356532837742018-02-04T20:37:00.000+00:002018-02-04T20:37:39.960+00:00Creative Grammar: Developing Learners' Independence<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="485" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/v6fLrLNzMOgUcX" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="595"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/linguascope2018" target="_blank" title="Linguascope2018">Linguascope2018</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-24163269571658498712017-12-22T13:59:00.000+00:002017-12-22T13:59:43.564+00:00Teach Languages Conference, 10 February 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbs4UW6Keclo8ePp6wLpI8EboGD7oQH9nAq1V_xmZRq1O1lq3f-a6isOIplYxzg-OqTWTFerGQbzxK-F5yjB6XJunea8RFNkl9Abu2OgiwD2V1UzJMWQoNhog0DtYGAYIISKDj-leCljL/s1600/Lingusascope_conf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="856" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbs4UW6Keclo8ePp6wLpI8EboGD7oQH9nAq1V_xmZRq1O1lq3f-a6isOIplYxzg-OqTWTFerGQbzxK-F5yjB6XJunea8RFNkl9Abu2OgiwD2V1UzJMWQoNhog0DtYGAYIISKDj-leCljL/s320/Lingusascope_conf.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teach Languages 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teach
Languages is a conference and exhibition for language teachers organised
by <a href="http://www.linguascope.com/" target="_blank" title="Linguascope">Linguascope</a>. The 2018 edition will take place on Saturday
10th February 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Programme<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The focus
for the 2018 edition will be the teaching of grammar. Speakers include <a href="http://www.cavelanguages.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sue Cave</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JulietDPark" target="_blank">Juliet Park</a>, <a href="http://isabellejones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/rifjudy" target="_blank">Judith Rifeser</a>. To view
a printable version of the full programme, <a href="http://www.teachlang.com/docs/programme2018.pdf">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Venue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teach
Languages is taking place at the <a href="https://www.richmix.org.uk/" target="new">Rich Mix</a> Cultural Foundation in East London. Rich Mix is
conveniently located just outside Shoreditch High Street station (Overground)
and within walking distance of Liverpool Street station. There is also plenty
of free parking spaces around the venue at the weekend. To help you find your
way, we’ve produced a <a href="http://www.teachlang.com/docs/location.pdf">printable
map</a> for you to download. For travel details, check out the <a href="https://www.richmix.org.uk/plan-your-visit/find-us" target="new">Rich Mix
website</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A day pass
gives you access to any sessions and the exhibition area for the whole day. It
also includes your delegate pack, refreshments and lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The cost of a day pass is:<br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">• £60 (£50 + VAT)<br />
• £48 (£40 + VAT) if booked and paid online<br />
• FREE* for Linguascope subscribers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*You will
find your redemption code in the Staffroom section of the Linguascope website,
under "Training Events"). Note that free tickets are subject to a £10
deposit (fully refundable if you attend on the day) to ensure that no place is
wasted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sessions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Creative Grammar: Developing Language
Learner's independence • Isabelle Jones <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With the new
GCSE in sight and the need to produce writing in exam conditions, teaching and
learning grammar has never been so important. This session will aim to
introduce delegates to a range of strategies to develop the learning of grammar
creatively from key stage 2 in order to produce independent and successful
language learners ready for GCSE and beyond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Grammar Moves • Sue Cave <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Activities
for developing grammatical understanding will be demonstrated. They have been
tried and tested in Key Stage 2, however, they could equally be suitable for
other age groups. Each activity will relate to the KS2 targets of the MFL
Programme of Study. The emphasis will be on progression from word to sentence
level both orally and written. Most of the activities include either movement
or a kinaesthetic element and are designed to engage learners actively and creatively.
All the examples will be in French but can be adapted for most languages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Final Countdown: Revision
Revisited • Juliet Park <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This session
will focus on the lead up to the new exam, how we can help our students prepare
for the new exam-style questions and be ready to apply grammar and vocabulary
independently and spontaneously. This session will show effective ways to build
exam-style practise into your lessons and ensure that students are getting
sufficient exposure and practise both in the classroom and independently to
help maximise their performance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Grammar|in|con|text: Teaching grammar
through film and other authentic resources in the TL • Judith Rifeser <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The teaching
of grammar, the use of cultural resources as well as the teaching in the target
language are all key elements of the MFL agenda. But how can we make our
teaching ARPS: authentic, relevant, purposeful and stimulating, whilst still
ensuring students are getting to grips with complex grammatical structures and
rules? In this session, we’ll explore examples of good practice, in particular
through film, to teach grammar in context, focussing on developing their
grammatical awareness and explicit grammar knowledge in the target language,
whilst still allowing students to improve all their skills and learn grammar in
a fun and motivating way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>More Information
and online booking: <a href="http://www.teachlang.com/">http://www.teachlang.com/</a> See you there!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-4044836361809951832017-07-08T22:21:00.001+01:002017-07-08T22:21:53.335+01:00NALA Conference, Stratford-Upon-Avon, 8 July 2017<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="485" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/36AhX4WrbZ4Hfm" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="595"> </iframe> <div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/more-than-words-nala" target="_blank" title="More than words nala">More than words nala</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-31695386705697172602017-03-25T21:38:00.001+00:002017-03-25T21:38:51.367+00:00Language World 2017-Literature for ALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I had a great today at Language World with like-minded colleagues.<br />
As promised here are the slides I used for My session "Literature for ALL"<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="485" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/21FzTdFWQFGA6m" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="595"> </iframe> <div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/literature-for-all-lw2017-nottinghammarch-2017" target="_blank" title="Literature for ALL LW2017 Nottingham-March 2017">Literature for ALL LW2017 Nottingham-March 2017</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
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<br />Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-66897287968749158252016-08-24T16:56:00.003+01:002016-08-24T17:04:46.525+01:00Parallel Reading with the Parallel Books app-A Way into Literature and Translation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot0Zavwrq98MyNN6JuU2YDBNVyBRvoXtO-UTciTN2VteRoYipn0hHueJu5INLroOuLckB1Ae223C1k0hGppYJva6i7l9Ifb2eJnRjOQpajzLzOUMRo8CwHGFmPojHFVwRpMCm_MH66FkZ/s1600/parallelbooks1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot0Zavwrq98MyNN6JuU2YDBNVyBRvoXtO-UTciTN2VteRoYipn0hHueJu5INLroOuLckB1Ae223C1k0hGppYJva6i7l9Ifb2eJnRjOQpajzLzOUMRo8CwHGFmPojHFVwRpMCm_MH66FkZ/s1600/parallelbooks1.png" /></a></div>
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Matt Thomas contacted me a while ago to trial his Parallel Books app. The principle is simple, you get a text that is in the public domain, you get a good translation and you use the app the read both texts side-by-side.</div>
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Easy? Well... Thank you to Matt for telling us about the story behind the development of this great app that is just fantastic to get our higher ability pupils to dare reading in a foreign language just as literature and translation have re-appeared in the new GCSE specifications. The books are well known classics so although the texts are complex, it gives pupils a sense of confidence as it is known territory.</div>
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"I started making <span class="il">Parallel</span> Books a couple of years ago, although it was only released in December last year. I've done it at the same time as been the main care giver for 2 toddlers, so it's been lots of nights programming from their bedtimes till midnight!</div>
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You were asking about the reason I started. I was wanting to challenge myself to make a high quality <span class="il">app</span>, so I was looking for ideas.<br />
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I spent my whole adult life as a professional musician with a popular band in NZ. When touring Europe one time, I met my wife, who was the singer in another band on the same circuit.<br />
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We both ended up leaving our bands and working together playing music. I moved to Switzerland, and found that I needed to learn some new languages!<br />
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I have a number of English speaking friends here, and one day one of them told me how he was reading Roger Federer's biography, and that he had bought it in both English and German to read at the same time.<br />
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That's when the lightbulb went off in my head, that I could make an <span class="il">app</span> that makes this process easier. It's a great method to practice a new language, but keeping the two books in sync is a bit of a pain, and I realised that I could make this part of it easier within an <span class="il">app</span>.<br />
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It turns out that it is actually quite complicated to program this, and there is a lot going on behind the scene to make it appear so simple and user friendly on the surface.<br />
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Currently all books in <span class="il">Parallel</span> Books are free. This means that I can only use either texts that are public domain (copyright free) or that I acquire permission to use.<br />
<img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WKaZBwMHqpknFOkU8IYPcEyQR7lddlV3ESOkVvvN-UK2gWpKIUbcnuZqJaN6B6gsYUr-3Mp_HsVxSHXJXZeuUimE422WG9FiGy1hhn_NkqSYI-2cmNmh4LXRF24QJvgvBGJMnojFQiVj/s320/Parallelbooks2.png" width="320" /><br />
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If you know of any good Spanish texts I could include, do let me know! Essentially the author AND the translator have to have been dead for 70 years in order for them to be out of copyright.</div>
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I'm also interested in finding very beginner level texts I can use, which have also proven allusive."<br />
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Anything else you need to know about "Parallel Books"? Oh yes... It is free :)<br />
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<span class="il">App</span> store: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://itunes.apple.com/app/parallel-books/id1045596664?mt%3D8&source=gmail&ust=1472138373339000&usg=AFQjCNFmfKUeMFJHi39d8KQz1PBP4RgsLA" href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/parallel-books/id1045596664?mt=8" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://itunes.apple.com/<span class="il">app</span>/p<wbr></wbr></span>arallel-books/id1045596664?mt=<wbr></wbr>8</a><br />
<span style="color: #555555;"> Facebook page (includes screen shots and demo video): </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.facebook.com/parallelbooksapp&source=gmail&ust=1472138373339000&usg=AFQjCNElwOCrDdH8bKivjFYPin2OAIxjYA" href="http://www.facebook.com/parallelbooksapp" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/parall<wbr></wbr>elbooksapp</a><br />
<span style="color: #555555;"> Twitter: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/parallelbooks&source=gmail&ust=1472138373339000&usg=AFQjCNEY2CeOQT3OLLRnJ6xbRFRttt2TOA" href="https://twitter.com/parallelbooks" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/parallelbo<wbr></wbr>oks</a><br />
<span style="color: #555555;"> Website: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.parallelbooks.com&source=gmail&ust=1472138373339000&usg=AFQjCNHTOj6RJAmFu8agZNLllmJUvMSuZg" href="http://www.parallelbooks.com/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.parallelbooks.com</a></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-39394522268325173802016-08-21T14:16:00.001+01:002016-08-21T14:17:02.862+01:00Translation is Back! 20 Ideas for Teaching Translation<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last month, I was delighted to publish a translation resource on the fabulous Teachit site.</div>
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The resource is not language-specific and the ideas can be adapted to many languages. </div>
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I hope it is of use!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbc185VLQuZTAoYAaCUYSgGxiRjjDrDTixp32xHyYzVMKVFnFGAHYgusyPv4uLOYtWPHWyMdUjvAOB8fN8_THMoNzfemp0Auv_3visCenNumkB8dXLgHq6weRjPlh9-gMSOwjkVfNgRcX/s1600/teachit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbc185VLQuZTAoYAaCUYSgGxiRjjDrDTixp32xHyYzVMKVFnFGAHYgusyPv4uLOYtWPHWyMdUjvAOB8fN8_THMoNzfemp0Auv_3visCenNumkB8dXLgHq6weRjPlh9-gMSOwjkVfNgRcX/s320/teachit2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9kgNfOIYBV9mSlM4q-MakGQDR_-Jyx-WUEe9php-Koir3IB0HdSVFed5rr_EJggE0xi8pzeKohNUmwm26x9CvHBthJOawWpXNPO4lvMZm5uRa-OhFd_0Q6ThqJlzM80cHbhixCd4R8ei/s1600/Teachit3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9kgNfOIYBV9mSlM4q-MakGQDR_-Jyx-WUEe9php-Koir3IB0HdSVFed5rr_EJggE0xi8pzeKohNUmwm26x9CvHBthJOawWpXNPO4lvMZm5uRa-OhFd_0Q6ThqJlzM80cHbhixCd4R8ei/s320/Teachit3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The resource can be downloaded as a free pdf at<br />
<a href="http://www.teachitlanguages.co.uk/searchresults?resource=26267">http://www.teachitlanguages.co.uk/searchresults?resource=26267</a>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-10536435467085094112016-08-19T14:19:00.000+01:002016-08-19T14:19:47.973+01:00Guide to New GCSE in Modern Foreign LanguagesIf you want to be reminded of the differences between the new GCSE specifications in Modern Foreign Languages for teaching from September 2016, the following document should be useful to you. <br />
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<a href="http://www6.scholastic.co.uk/3dissue//mgm/2016-17/GCSEGuide/">http://www6.scholastic.co.uk/3dissue//mgm/2016-17/GCSEGuide/</a>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-45809540651818868612016-03-13T10:52:00.001+00:002016-03-13T11:05:28.261+00:00Language World 2016, 12th March 2016: Lost in Translation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Language World is the annual language conference organised by ALL, the Association for Language Learning. As always this was a great opportunity to meet like-minded colleagues and the atmosphere was as supportive and friendly as ever... If you are not yet an ALL member, join<a href="http://www.all-languages.org.uk/join/join_us" target="_blank"> now!</a><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="485" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/2brNWOyJBvWkZm" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="595"> </iframe> <br />
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<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/isabelle-joneslost-in-translation" target="_blank" title="Isabelle jones-lost in translation">Isabelle jones-lost in translation</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-21331994083578106012015-10-22T15:29:00.002+01:002015-10-22T15:30:27.023+01:00Technology In Language Teaching SANAKO Conference, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, 22nd October 2015I had a lovely morning today at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys with fellow language teachers and the SANAKO team.<br />
As promised, here are the slides I used for the session...<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/2y15ndhyxkhoR" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="425"> </iframe> <br />
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<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj/technology-in-language-teaching-54264363" target="_blank" title="Technology in Language Teaching">Technology in Language Teaching</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
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<br />Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-44682455799250547502015-10-17T15:57:00.000+01:002015-10-17T16:00:02.824+01:00Motivating Tools for Reading and Writing in the EAL and MFL Classroom, Practical Pedagogies, International School of Toulouse, 16th October 2015I had a fantastic time at #pracped15, the Practical Pedagogies conference organised by @russeltarr at the International School of Toulouse. It was great to meet new people and finally meet people I have interacted with online for a very long time. Last but not least, it was fabulous to learn so much from them in such a great location-but I would say that, wouldn't I? ;)<br />
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Here are the slides I used for my session:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//fr.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/eJzVVrzzesXOBD" style="border-width: 1px; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="425"> </iframe> <br />
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<strong> <a href="https://fr.slideshare.net/icpj/tools-for-reading-and-writing-in-eal-and-mfl" target="_blank" title="Tools for Reading and Writing in EAL and MFL">Tools for Reading and Writing in EAL and MFL</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/icpj" target="_blank">Isabelle Jones</a></strong> </div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-82524697144352895692015-08-12T17:18:00.000+01:002015-08-12T17:59:37.229+01:00Practical Pedagogies Conference, International School of Toulouse (IST), 15-16th October 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9DUdzgt9w089lAQ13_EbfJtSgkwk4s9YcRlNP7oUn_7VwdATgf-e3QvZlF-pPAADb_1BaUVecGHDoXDE1cYd_a-Lmz78_lz9DQj3jFFtUVEWGvcsIDGlYKlWAvvcx7_ffpz-Q6B_ZBjq/s1600/pratpeg1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9DUdzgt9w089lAQ13_EbfJtSgkwk4s9YcRlNP7oUn_7VwdATgf-e3QvZlF-pPAADb_1BaUVecGHDoXDE1cYd_a-Lmz78_lz9DQj3jFFtUVEWGvcsIDGlYKlWAvvcx7_ffpz-Q6B_ZBjq/s320/pratpeg1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am very excited to be joining the 60+ teachers from all subject areas who will be presenting at the <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/">Practical Pedagogies conference</a> organised by @russeltarr at The International School of Toulouse next October.<br />
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<strong>What is the Practical Pedagogies Conference?</strong><br />
-A high-impact training conference for teachers, from NQT to senior teachers, run by and for primary and secondary school teachers ;<br />
-A not-for-profit event hosted at the <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/venue.php"></a><a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/venue.php">International School of Toulouse</a>, October ;<br />
-Workshops and networking activities around the theme: "Creativity, Internationalism and Innovation in the classroom" ;<br />
-Two days of inspiring keynotes, 70+ workshops and networking activities delivered by experienced primary and secondary teachers ; 15-16th October 2015-that's just before half term for some of us in the UK.<br />
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<strong>How much does it cost?</strong>€150 : This price includes a delegate pack, lunches and refreshments, and access to all the workshops, keynotes and other events on offer.<br />
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<strong>How to find out more / register your place</strong>Full details about the conference, including <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/register.php">how to register</a> and the full <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/programme/index.php">workshop programme</a>, can be found on the <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST">Practical Pedagogies Website</a>. Other queries can be sent <a href="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/contact.php">here</a>.<br />
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<strong>The Venue</strong> <br />
The conference will take place at the International School of Toulouse, a co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 18, situated in the South of France close to Toulouse Blagnac Airport [<a href="https://www.google.fr/maps/dir/Toulouse-Blagnac+Airport,+Blagnac/The+International+School+of+Toulouse,+Colomiers/@43.6189137,1.3122701,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x12aea552ded709b5:0x66f417d01d8268f6!2m2!1d1.367682!2d43.629386!1m5!1m1!1s0x12aeb1eeac75b425:0x4b48bbd2bbfd9e91!2m2!1d1.304298!2d43.615196?hl=en">directions/map</a>]. </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p><strong>My workshop</strong></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong>Pinterest and Twitter? Motivating tools to develop reading and writing skills in EAL and MFL</strong><img alt="" border="0" class="img-circle" src="http://www.activehistory.co.uk/2015_IST/programme/ijo2.jpg" height="52" style="text-align: right;" width="50" /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Explore the potential of tools such as Pinterest and Twitter to motivate all pupils to develop reading and writing skills in EAL and MFL. Increase your pupils' independence as language learners and understanding of linguistic structures. Support the development of all your pupils' language skills and their linguistic creativity. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong>Led by Isabelle Jones (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/icpjones">@icpjones</a>), languages consultant and Head of Languages in Cheshire, England. </strong></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Other MFL workshops include</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong>Collaborative learning strategies for the effective teaching of mixed ability classes in MFL</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This workshop will present collaborative learning strategies in MFL which engage whole classes to talk / write simultaneously therefore maximising class time. Delegates will go way with a much deeper understanding of the benefits of collaborative learning and will have a bank of ready-made resources (F/G/Sp) to use immediately on their return to school.</span> </div>
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<strong>Led by Suzi Bewell (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/suzibewell">@suzibewell</a>), Course Leader for MFL PGCE University of York</strong></div>
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<strong>Using Quizlet to create interactive resources</strong><span style="color: #444444;">This workshop is designed to help mainly modern languages teachers who want to teach students easy ways to revise grammar rules, verb conjugation and new vocabulary with Quizlet. This US software allows students to be more independent leaners and give them an opportunity to be more responsible for their own learning.</span> </div>
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<strong>Led by J. Cavalli, Curriculum Leader for French at IST</strong></div>
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<strong>Using Kahoot! to engage students in knowledge acquisition</strong><span style="color: #444444;">Kahoot! is a free tool to assess your students' knowledge (from FS2 to Y13 and beyond - you can even use it at home to test friends and family!) in any subjects, on any topics, in a fun, interactive and competitive way. Kahoot! just turns your classroom into a game show (with a very catchy musical theme). In this session, you will get to : play a Kahoot game (to see what it is like) and maybe win a Kahoot! Prize / see examples of what can be assessed through Kahoot! in different subjects in both Primary and Secondary / create your own Kahoot short quiz. </span><strong>Led by A. Braud, Modern Foreign Languages Teacher at IST</strong></div>
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<strong>Using the “Accelerated Integrated Method” to teach French as a foreign language</strong><span style="color: #444444;">Originally from Canada, this way of teaching has been very successful in various countries, with the help of gestures for each word, the use of the mother tongue is limited to an extreme minimum. The children learn French through stories told in gestures. After the workshop participants should have a good idea about what this didactic approach is, and be able to 'tell in gestures' some of the content of stories. </span><strong>Led by Dico Krommenhoek (</strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/dico_kr"><strong>@dico_kr</strong></a><strong>), French teacher and teacher educator in Rotterdam</strong></div>
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<strong>Using technology in the Primary Foreign Language classroom</strong><span style="color: #444444;">Why and how can we use technology to enhance learning in the primary language classroom? Ideas for teachers and learners, beginners and those with more experience; some online, some apps but mostly free :) Covering 'the four skills' - listening speaking reading and writing as well as phonics and grammar, we'll consider how technology can help with assessment as well as managing transition, and how it can open windows and doors for you and your learners. </span><strong>Led by Lisa Stevens (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/lisibo">@lisibo</a>), Primary Languages and International Coordinator, Whitehouse Common Primary and Welford Primary, Birmingham</strong></div>
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<strong>Boosting language acquisition for lower and upper primary through a FUN Reading Program.</strong> <span style="color: #444444;">Developing comprehension and expression for upper primary (intermediate levels) through a Reading Program.</span></div>
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<strong>Led by P. Burgaud and J. Allcock, Primary Years Teachers at IST</strong></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">The conference has its own Twitter </span><a href="https://twitter.com/pedagogies" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Practical Pedagogies</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> feed. We will be using the hashtag </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23pracped15&src=typd"><span style="color: #428bca; font-size: small;">#pracped15</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> to allow delegates to share the ideas and resources they are being
presented with and discuss the conference outcomes</span>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong>Would love to see you there!</strong></span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-79834670166276766742015-08-10T16:27:00.000+01:002015-08-10T16:27:25.963+01:00Review: Think Bilingual-The First Language Immersion App?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYul2eDDe7ol6rzSDheNhxw9_FVtGjGPbveEonJdFCsktmm8hFuZU-O1Ta7RlubHHiyunHszVmfvSOcJ2U19vFxV6YHO1i1eZAdiJKtWcS8bOSe-s5TzLXdq_FvAW5TTazJtDGTZE609xQ/s1600/think+bilingual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYul2eDDe7ol6rzSDheNhxw9_FVtGjGPbveEonJdFCsktmm8hFuZU-O1Ta7RlubHHiyunHszVmfvSOcJ2U19vFxV6YHO1i1eZAdiJKtWcS8bOSe-s5TzLXdq_FvAW5TTazJtDGTZE609xQ/s320/think+bilingual.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Interact and Immerse,
an iPad application development company that specializes in immersive language
learning for children and adults, announced recently the launch of its new
game, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/think-bilingual!/id984967146?mt=8" target="_blank">Think Bilingual!</a> The game is now available for </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id984967146?mt=8"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">iTunes download</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> and it is currently free for early
users and educators. The current version includes Spanish, French and English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Think Bilingual! Is like
in an adventure game, where the user is challenged to navigate through different
situations. In the storyline, the user helps a family of Aliens make their way
on earth: cooking in the kitchen, driving a car, cleaning the house and even
babysitting. In each situation, the user plays the game by listening to the
target language. For instance, to learn directions, you drive a car in the game,
with the aim to encourage learners to <i>think</i> in the target language
rather than just translate it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the app aims to provide immersion rather than
translation, I was particularly interested in finding out how productive skills
could be developed using it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chris Loux, Interact and Immerse co-founder,
provided me with more details about how the app can boost this crucial element
of language learning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Writing</strong>: “This is something that we have thought a
lot about and have specific goals in trying to avoid writing and try to lead
the user to react to the native blocks of language at normal speed. Our
philosophy is based on the direct method, and we are seeking to build a very
fast connection between "listen" and "do" to encourage
users to process the narrations in the target language. That being said :),
there is an interesting way for users to practice writing in the app:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. turn off sound<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. tap the "write" tool on the right side<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. read, and do the action<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-or, for writing-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. listen to the narration<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. write out the sentence as listened<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. tap the "write" tool to check writing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. do the action<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The latter is interesting as it ties listening,
writing, reading and comprehension together.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Speaking</strong>: “Speaking is on the roadmap for version
3.0 of the app, and will include the ability to record speech and turn it in to
a teacher. The speech will be responding to questions about the stage just
done. For example, in "ID stage" (stage 7) the app will ask, "What
languages do you speak?" And user will answer as per the completed stage.
This will be recorded and stored for teachers/parents. There will also be
real-time functionality allowing a teacher and student to see the same screen
and follow each other's speech in the target language by doing the actions in
the interface.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would say that this product works best for
KS2-KS4. But adults can use it too, especially adults who are
"trapped" at basic level, knowing a lot of vocabulary, but who don't
have the confidence to respond whenever someone speaks to them in the language. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a casual learner, especially one with issues
around listening, the current version should work great as a more fun and
light-hearted-though linguistically sound-way to revise the basics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><strong>Specifications of
Think Bilingual!:</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
current version has 44 levels covering people, directions, house,
greetings, cooking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">New
episodes will appear monthly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
level is basic/intermediate <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Think
Bilingual! is best for ages 8-16, but also adults at basic level<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">English,
Spanish and French are in the current version. Chinese, Portuguese and
Japanese are scheduled for development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Group-enabled
version to be released for educators to use in classroom situation.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><strong>What next?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Be part of the development of this app by trying it and giving feedback
to </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="http://www.interactandimmerse.com/feedback/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.interactandimmerse.com/feedback/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-29123376118054604592015-07-26T14:32:00.001+01:002015-07-26T14:32:13.205+01:00Review: Other Cats to Whip, The Book of French Idioms <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXfSpKjrk5bsZ_JmhXqOcpDcfWKMWB7FW2_z-jb_-RHvgSQBTPMlrInKN3zBQXRq_MIpVQeXGzE_Z4a9k4C4LTBjLwYy0P-TcZff5Smj3u2el08XZqWb0mLaCUcdRYnXY-wfOTc4hI1T/s1600/Othercatstowhip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dXfSpKjrk5bsZ_JmhXqOcpDcfWKMWB7FW2_z-jb_-RHvgSQBTPMlrInKN3zBQXRq_MIpVQeXGzE_Z4a9k4C4LTBjLwYy0P-TcZff5Smj3u2el08XZqWb0mLaCUcdRYnXY-wfOTc4hI1T/s320/Othercatstowhip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I just
love idioms, they are a part of everyday life and often give you a real insight
into the target language culture. But how often do we think about their literal
and intended meanings? For instance, why do the English say that they have
“other fish to fry” rather than “have other things to do”? This is a great
opportunity to look at how sentences are built and to practise translation for
fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After
moving from the UK to France in late 2012, author Graham Clark started to use
native idioms and noticed that the French idioms were often very different to
their English counterparts and, in many cases, even more bizarre!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Instead
of having other fish to fry, the French have “other cats to whip” or “d’autres
chats à fouetter”, to mean they have other things to do. In the introduction of
the book, Graham issues a tongue-in-cheek warning whilst sharing his embarrassing
misuse of this expression in a comical attempt to fit in with the locals. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Inspired
by this story, Graham and his co-author Zubair Arshad, have carefully selected
French idioms, each with a memorable illustration aiming as a reminder of the
literal meaning of the phrase.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Each expression
is provided with its literal English translation, actual meanings and example sentence,
which makes it an interesting linguistic reference for students of all levels.
The pictures and translations also make it an entertaining read for
non-linguists who may have a connection with a French-speaking country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My
favourite expressions from the book include “<i>Se croire sorti de la cuisse de
Jupiter</i>” to mean “<i>To believe you came from Jupiter’s thigh (God’s Gift)</i>”,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Il n’y a pas le feu au lac” (Don’t
panic), “Se faire prendre pour un pigeon” (To be taken for a ride)</i> and also
“<i>Tomber dans les pommes</i>”, meaning to “<i>To fall in the apples (to
faint)</i>”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Whatever
your mood, whether you are feeling upbeat or have the blues (<i>avoir le cafard=
to have the cockroach)</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, this
lovely little book is guaranteed to make you smile…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The book
is available on Kindle (£3.99) and Paperback (£4.99), on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Cats-Whip-French-Idioms-ebook/dp/B00XRLN2L8/"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon UK</span></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Other-Cats-Whip-French-Idioms-ebook/dp/B00XRLN2L8/ref=as_at?tag=aboutcom02french-20&linkCode=as2&"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon US</span></a>, which makes it a very affordable little
gift for linguistically-minded friends.</span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-61543754632887367492015-07-18T17:15:00.001+01:002015-07-18T17:15:18.447+01:00Review: Languagenut, a Language Subscription Site with a Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3C24AEQSoI_qh_2XuFRDCayp52fY_GXcQpU8HoQ6Vzzc_BkAM8FYhRXbSQJHFoWtgyExx8GUe_V4yjXrsbNC6P7YCmHd-THPHQUt2H9rQ6_g0u_2qktiaBX1AINhuHWeDkAXBb9CMhyphenhyphenD/s1600/languagenut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3C24AEQSoI_qh_2XuFRDCayp52fY_GXcQpU8HoQ6Vzzc_BkAM8FYhRXbSQJHFoWtgyExx8GUe_V4yjXrsbNC6P7YCmHd-THPHQUt2H9rQ6_g0u_2qktiaBX1AINhuHWeDkAXBb9CMhyphenhyphenD/s1600/languagenut.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Created in 2009, <a href="http://www.languagenut.com/">Languagenut</a> promotes a fun, simple and engaging approach to language learning for KS2 and KS3 pupils. Although Languagenut has its HQ in the UK, it now has users all over the world in 32 countries, from Puerto Rico and the US to Asia and it has adapted its platform to meet the curriculum needs in those different countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The range of languages offered is truly global but also supports heritage languages including Gaelic and Te Reo Maori. This is complemented by a unique range of EAL resources which supports the children in the UK who do not speak English as their first language.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The MFL and EAL resources rely on simple games, engaging students in simple, fun and effective learning activities. Students explore a set of words or phrases through the “presentation” feature, and then reinforce the language working across the key skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. All resources are organised by topics and graded by difficulty, with each topic also offering a song and a story to practise key structures in a different way. Each topic can also be assessed via the platform.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Teachers can also track and reward pupils’ progress through the activities whether they are completed in class or independently at home. All progress data can be exported into an Excel spreadsheet and progress reports including graphs can be produced easily. Reward certificates can also be generated automatically. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition, the “My content” allows teachers to use Languagenut’s framework of presentations, games and assessments for their own words and phrases. Sound and pictures can also be uploaded and the newly created exercises are automatically trackable by teachers as soon as they are published.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All exercises can also be assigned to specific groups of pupils or individuals, which can help differentiation for class work and homework.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Healthy competition is also encouraged via the <a href="http://www.languagenut.com/uk/lingualympics/" target="_blank">lingualympics</a> board, which displays the sign-in name of the top 20 students and 20 schools worldwide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was lucky enough to be taken on a guided tour of this excellent platform by the delightful Liz Brewer and I would advise to <span id="goog_789812265"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">get in touch</a> <span id="goog_789812266"></span>if you are considering languagenut as it does offer a lot more than your usual language subscription site…</div>
<br />Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-89313792786502430792015-07-08T14:40:00.001+01:002015-07-08T14:40:35.763+01:00Learning Vocabulary with FlashSticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Q5GT5CzeJAn7OQQUtwFu1ySGERiA7-oFL8PA18TTvcSEcFGSB74-BFHPrtjf_GLWf9Re-4HJ267OcunEaGmPMppYzqK7S5B8S6D_mjWEzGU03SDlSkyqgtbf2L5EcPAGKbu3HSHNcCBI/s1600/flashsticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Q5GT5CzeJAn7OQQUtwFu1ySGERiA7-oFL8PA18TTvcSEcFGSB74-BFHPrtjf_GLWf9Re-4HJ267OcunEaGmPMppYzqK7S5B8S6D_mjWEzGU03SDlSkyqgtbf2L5EcPAGKbu3HSHNcCBI/s1600/flashsticks.jpg" /></a><a href="http://flashsticks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">FlashSticks®</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> are foreign language Post-it® notes, each printed with a foreign language word, their translation, an icon and phonetic support. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The notes are colour-coded by gender too: BLUE notes for masculine nouns, PINK notes for feminine and GREEN for all other word types. </span><span style="font-size: large;">FlashSticks also have a free app that allows learners to hover their smartphones or tablets over the notes and see the video of a native language tutor to help them with the pronunciation of the word.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I tried the Spanish and French beginner’s packs, which have notes for 100 words each.
The idea behind FlashSticks is well-established practice in language learning: You need to be surrounded by what you learn, say the new words, reading them and listen to them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
The coulour-coding is very effective but I would not normally use “transcription” to support pronunciation as it can encourage learners to stop listening to the sounds of the new language to process them only through the transcription. However, as the notes benefit from audio support via the app, the transcription can act as a reminder of the correct pronunciation. I have also found the icon very useful to encourage recall.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As a pronunciation activity, pupils can highlight syllables, prefixes or suffixes in a different colour and practise saying them. This is particularly effective in Spanish, which does not have silent letters, but certainly more challenging in French.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The notes are great to encourage pupil independence and they also provide useful additional support for pupils with specific learning difficulties.
They can also be used to play a wide range of games including noughts and crosses, where pronunciation is checked as a way to win the point and Guess my word, when other people have to give clues for the bearer of the notes to guess the word he/she is wearing and pelmanism games. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The translation or word in the target language can also be hidden in order to encourage quick recall. Maybe test packs with the word missing in the target language could be produced too?
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The notes can also be added to classroom display ad worksheets to encourage independent speaking practice.
As GCSEs and A Levels rely more and more on vocabulary acquisition and retention, I look forward to simple but effective tools like FlashSticks supporting all new examination specifications.</span></div>
Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-63680234497260612512015-07-06T20:01:00.004+01:002015-07-06T20:02:44.271+01:00Liverpool MFL Conference, 6th July 2015, Jaguar RoverI had a great day in Liverpool at the conference organised by Hilary Jones of Network for Languages North West. Other speakers included OFSTED inspector Liz Kelly and the fabulous Juliet Park.<br />
A fantastically productive day!<br />
<br />
As promised, here are the slides I used for my session:<br />
<iframe src="https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/7QOeBi2odsRZEB" width="476" height="400" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988350683382077886.post-90161674389542960842015-03-14T16:48:00.001+00:002015-03-14T20:21:49.973+00:00Any Excuse for a Song! Grammar and Music at Marple Hall School MFL Show and TellI had a great time today at Marple Hall School MFL Show and Tell.<br />
<br />
As promised, here are the slides from my presentation:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/45833271" width="476"></iframe><br />
<br />
All the resources from the other presenters can be downloaded from<a href="http://recursossj.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/marple-hall-show-presenters-resources.html?m=0" target="_blank"> here</a>.Isabelle Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981793519693793815noreply@blogger.com0