New practical framework for developing a language courses methodology targeting adult learners.

<< Background >>The adult learners involved in this project had various needs, including improving their employability, advancing their careers, and integrating better into our societies. We aimed at developing new teaching methods in practical language skills that could be immediately applied in daily life, such as interacting in professional settings or handling real-life situations. They also needed support in building self-confidence and fostering social connections to reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, they aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.Our partner institutions also had specific needs, such as developing innovative methods in language teaching tailored to adult learners and equipping educators with effective strategies for teaching diverse groups. Addressing classroom heterogeneity, creating real-life language learning experiences, and incorporating technology into language courses were also key priorities. Furthermore, our partners wanted to share best practices and learn from each other to enhance the overall quality of language education. By focusing on these needs, the project aimed to create a dynamic, inclusive, and effective language learning environment for both learners and teachers.<< Objectives >>We carried out this project with the aim of defining a methodological and practical framework for developing a language courses methodology targeting adult learners, in a view to questioning our actual practices and confront them with the partners’. We also looked for the latest development in terms of language pedagogy for adult learners in order to adapt them in our practices.We identified several specific objectives for our project, that structured the work to be done with the partnership, in order to reach concrete results:- Exchange practices and know-how between the partners on language courses methodology, integrating the andragogy specificity.- Exchange practices on teacher posture facing adult learners and strengthen their skills in teaching languages in an active way.- Stimulate the interest for language courses in our institutions by providing a renewed pedagogical approach.<< Implementation >>During the project's implementation, we worked on 3 specific axis: - language as a communication tool- language outside the classroom- hybrid-learning. Partners began by presenting their institutions, target audiences, and practices in language classrooms. Workshops on innovative teaching practices were held, including role-playing activities, where teachers engaged in real-life scenarios to build communication skills. Teachers attended a lesson in an unexpected language (Russian) to develop empathy for learners. Job shadowing and classroom observations were conducted, and FLE learners in Spain organized city tours to practice language skills in real-world contexts. Partners participated in outdoor walks for informal discussions, analyzed real-life case studies, and visited sociocultural centers to observe practical language applications. Regular meetings of the steering committee were organised, allowing partners to reflect on activities and share best practices, which were then disseminated internally to ensure lasting impact.As a final output, the partners delivered a handbook gathering all new practices identified and shared it with partners to update language practices in our adult schools.<< Results >>The activities implemented during the project allowed us to develop results in improving language teaching methodologies and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. In particular, The role-playing and real-life scenario activities enhanced teachers' ability to create practical and interactive language lessons.Job shadowing and classroom observations provided insights into diverse teaching approaches, enabling our teachers to integrate new strategies into their practices. Analysis of real-life case studies allowed partners to develop concrete solutions to common challenges in language teaching. In the end, the final handbook jointly developed with the partners will serve as a sustainable tool that will be used in the different schools. The project strengthened partnerships, promoted knowledge exchange, and inspired the adoption of innovative methodologies, resulting in more effective, engaging, and learner-centered language programs across all partner institutions.