The Languages Bridge a three year school–based research project funded by CfBT Education Trust

1. The Languages Bridgea three year school–based research projectfunded by CfBT Education Trust 2004-2007 The International Learning and Research Centre International Learning and Research Centre

2. By raising curiosity and developing a deeper understanding about how languages work, confidence and motivation for language learning will increase. The aim of the Languages Bridge is to equip children with a toolkit of language and communication skills. It teaches a core of knowledge about language structure in a coherent programme of activities for pupils aged 8-12. The innovative multilingual teaching materials appeal to the curiosity of young learners.... ...through the use of narrative and active learning, and remove the fear of attempting other languages.

3. “… they loved working in languages they don’t normally work in…” Class Teacher “Enjoyment and curiosity stimulated by the Building Blocks helped to break down attitudinal barriers to the perceived difficulties of language learning.” Dr Cynthia Martin Reading University Languages Bridge External Evaluator “…it was easier to learn the languages with something to do physically rather than listening to the teacher…” Year 6 pupil

4. encourages language learning and promotes linguistic diversity in society • promotes a healthy multilingual economy • encourages multilingualism, until every citizen has practical skills in at least two languages in addition to mother tongue EU Policy on Multilingualism International Learning and Research Centre

5. To aid transition there is a need to focus on multilingualism rather than the current single language approach. • From our research, it is clear that a multilingual approach can be very successful in improving pupils’ language learning. Rationale for the project International Learning and Research Centre

6. teaches key linguistic structures giving pupils the understanding of how to learn languages • teaches a core of knowledge about language structure in a coherent programme of activities for KS2 and KS3 • increases motivation for language learning through deeper understanding The Languages Bridge International Learning and Research Centre

7. The Building Blocks support language learning, they do not teach a specific language. Activities use vocabulary and phrases to illustrate teaching objectives from… There are plans to include Welsh and Mandarin Chinese in the near future. Which languages are included? French German Spanish Portuguese Italian Romanian Japanese International Learning and Research Centre

8. Building Block 1 General sound discrimination Building Block 2 Sound and word recognition Building Block 3 Word classes Building Block 4 Word properties Building Block 5 Sentence types Building Block 6 Real purposes and real audiences The Languages Bridge Continuum There are six Building Blocks, each containing four lessons of about 30 minutes. The Building Blocks examine the following key language learning skills. International Learning and Research Centre

9. Over the three years… • research into pupils’ language learning styles • development of the Languages Bridge Continuum of key elements of language learning • three trials of materials in 12 primary and 2 secondary schools • 60 lessons observed by team members during the three years 1120 pupils and 25 teachers involved over the three years • in-depth pupil learning logs and teacher evaluation • seminars for participating teachers • external evaluation each year • national dissemination The Research International Learning and Research Centre

10. In 2007-2008 there will be an Online Community of Practice for schools wishing to use the Languages Bridge materials. Schools can sign up either individually or as a cluster, to receive training and access the materials for use in school. The Online Community of Practice End of show Return to home page