This Teachers TV programme explores one way of motivating pupils to choose to study MFL at Key Stage 4. This is particularly pertinent at the present time, in light of the recent stipulation that all schools should be aiming for at least 50% of their pupils to continue the study of languages up to the age of 16.
Within the programme, a team from Aston University’s Languages for Life project is filmed leading a workshop with a Year 9 class. Their focus is on the utilitarian benefits of learning languages, although other aspects are also touched upon (transferable skills, enriching experiences, fun and enjoyment, academic achievement). As this is a girls’ school, and as many of the pupils in the class have English as an additional language (EAL), the audience is perhaps more receptive than might otherwise be the case. However, the pupils do appear to be motivated and enthused by the workshop.
This would be a useful resource for considering the benefits of bilingualism within an MFL classroom, as well as providing ideas for schools to attract more pupils to learning a language beyond Key Stage 3. It is important, however, to stress not just the alternative vocational qualifications, but also to recognise the other potential benefits of learning a language, especially with regard to the pupils for whom MFL is unlikely to have any direct relevance to their future careers.
Reviewed by:
Sue Field
Keywords
MFL, secondary, Modern Foreign Languages, motivation, transferable skills, EAL
Authors :
Teachers TV
Source :
www.teachers.tv/video/2881
Publisher :
Teachers TV
Article Id :
12151
Date Posted:
21/3/2006