Language Teachers 'need training'

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>>From the BBC,  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4378072.stm

Language teachers 'need training'

Many teachers lack the confidence and skills to implement government plans
to extend language learning to all primary schools, research suggests.  A
scheme enabling all children to learn a foreign language is to be extended
to all primary schools in England. Ministers are publishing funding plans
and guidance for teachers, with the aim of making language lessons
available to all seven to 11-year-olds by 2010. A pilot scheme in 1,400
schools was judged a success in July by inspectors.

Quelling concerns

"Class teachers' confidence in teaching languages remained fairly low,"
the report said, "despite the majority having obtained some form of
qualification." "Training addressing linguistic competence as well as
methodology was found to be vital in addressing this aspect." Adequate
resources were crucial for all teachers to ensure the success of language
teaching, the report continued. The report, carried out by academics at
the University of Warwick and commissioned by the government, emphasised
the importance of teacher subject knowledge and confidence.

In the pilot schools, languages were most often taught by non-specialist
teachers. But the report said where there was adequate staffing for
teachers to be supported by a native speaker or specialist from a
secondary school, this can work well. By trying to raise interest in
language learning at an earlier age, ministers are hoping to quell
concerns that students leave school with inadequate language skills.
Language learning beyond the age of 14 ceased to be compulsory in
September.

The funding includes 49.5m for schools and local authorities to spend on
resources and training for teachers between 2006 and 2008. The guidance is
a framework for teachers of learning objectives and teaching activities,
focusing on key skills such as speaking, reading and writing. This was
tested in more than 1,400 schools in 19 local authorities. Business
leaders have raised concerns about the lack of language skills in the
United Kingdom, claiming it is seriously damaging business.

The Minister for Schools, Andrew Adonis, said: "In common with our
partners and competitors in other countries, we must shift the emphasis in
language learning to give young children a firm foundation for later
learning. "I am confident that pupils who learn languages from a younger
age will be more likely to develop a range of language skills in later
life."

No inhibitions

Griffydam Primary School in Coalville, Leicestershire, uses French across
year groups in the school. The register is taken every day in French, with
pupils ordering their lunch in French also. Signs around the school are
written in French and, when learning to count, children learn to do so in
French too. Head teacher Ursula Smith said the key was getting children
interested in languages at a young age.

"Young children will stand up and have a go and not be embarrassed, while
older children do feel self-conscious." She believes the children at her
school have benefited from the learning experience. "They love it - we
have a French club and it's always over-subscribed and there's a waiting
list for it."

In July, a report from the CILT national language centre attacked
"complacency" over the inability to speak other languages. The group has
welcomed the government's new framework, saying it provided a reassurance
of its commitment to primary languages. "Research on the use of languages
in business contexts shows that the earlier languages are learned, the
more confidence people have in using them," said Isabella Moore, director
of CILT.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/education/4378072.stm