As we begin our journey towards our project’s set of goals, we are currently dedicated to introducing innovative methods, practices and tools in teaching foreign languages to children (6-12 years old) with learning difficulties to foreign language teachers, primary schools and foreign language educational organizations. This step will bring us closer to the completion of our first general objective which is to “equip foreign language teachers with innovative teaching techniques, methods and tools to effectively teach children with learning difficulties” as it will create a selection of different approaches, through which teachers can have their pick in order to meet the individual needs of their students. More specifically, at the moment, our task involves collecting real life case studies of teaching foreign languages to children, aged 6-12, with learning difficulties, as well as teaching methods and good practices used in support of these children.
The second part that will help us achieve our first goal is the field research which intends to bring us closer to the educators themselves in order to discuss their actual difficulties and needs when teaching pupils with learning difficulties. A questionnaire covering a variety of issues has been created and is ready to be shared with the professionals. For a project like this, their input is of crucial importance as they are able to provide us with valuable information and share their thoughts on how they believe they can do their job more effectively.
The end result of these steps is the development of a useful webtool, a Digital Database, which will contain our collected case studies and best practices, ready to be used in aid of foreign language teachers. It will serve as a unique source for teachers who are not only looking to improve and update the methods they use, but also to upskill and reskill themselves. The Digital Database will be available in multiple languages (English, Slovenian, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Lithuanian), and thus will have the potential to be used and explored in many European countries.
Since we have just begun our three-year journey, we are now setting the foundation for our project. And as is mandatory, we need to establish a sturdy ground for our base. Our first step does exactly that. It is a vital step which works towards our ultimate goal of educating foreign language teachers occupied with young learners with learning difficulties. The project’s efforts have the potential to impact education across Europe and beyond.
If you are interested in participating, please do not hesitate to reach out to your national partner.
