Word Articulation Project

"According to the Common European Framework of reference for Languages, ""the learning, teaching, assessment"" guide states that needs analysis and comprehension and expression skills are vital when we are communicating in a foreign language, in this case, in English. The needs analysis was carried out by the ESL partners and it was concluded, that the speaking and listening abilities of students and also teachers are below the expected level. The WAP project addresses the needs to develop and take on new approaches to teaching and learning and to use new technologies to support and facilitate this. Linguistic awareness, linguistic responsive teaching, combining language with content teaching and supporting learners in multilingual settings is an essential element of teacher education. According to research, many English as a Second Language (ESL) students and teachers seem to have some difficulty in pronouncing some certain sounds. The partners have discussed the needs of schools and teachers and all activities and outputs were developed accordingly. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: SO1: Enable teachers to further develop awareness and use of the conventions of English language, speaking skills and transferable skills.SO2: Transfer of innovative English teaching methods to numerous teachers, to enable them to explore and share innovative tools and techniques SO3: Boost a Europe-wide collaboration among English teachers as well as education researchers and education professionals, exchanging innovative, effective and engaging approaches to English education. SO4: Enable students to improve both their ability to communicate and their linguistic competence in English. To develop a balance of receptive (reading, listening) and productive (speaking, writing) skills through communicative workshops and the Intellectual outputs. SO5: Explore the use of ICT in English education, to enhance its introduction in traditional teaching methods and create technology-rich learning environments for both teachers and students.Additionally, the project will give an insight into the participating countries' culture and society in a European context. TARGET GROUPS: • Teachers: as some aspects of the teaching role become more automated, teachers must have a stronger emphasis on building capabilities across the key competencies such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to problem solve and make quick decisions. To achieve our objectives, we believe that a positive transformation is best achieved when networking, visibility and recognition are triggered and encouraged. We will provide this by empowering teachers, students and schools with this project and the partnership across Europe, to find a common & valid training method across all the EU countries involved.• Students: Due to the fact, that students are targets of all education efforts, the WAP project will greatly improve students' knowledge of English, receptive and productive skills.The partners consist of 4 high schools and a STEM Academy. The learning activities serve a crucial role both as the source of empirical data that is used in the evaluations associated with the intellectual outputs IO1 (app) and IO2 (website) and in dissemination. With 5 short term joint staff training activities, the participants will enhance their knowledge about ESL methods, use of digital tools in and outside of the classroom and how to support their students. Additionally they will stimulate exchange of new and innovative ideas, will help with the development of content for both the app and website, which can be used in the classrooms and also individually by students and teachers. 2 short-term exchange of groups of pupils: the ultimate goal of this mobility is to engage all participants in English conversations in order to improve their listening and speaking skills and their pronunciation. 8 students (aged 14-18) from each partner school will participate in these mobilities (apart from the UK Academy). Some of the impacts include: • Improved pronunciation and knowledge of English• Improved understanding of ESL Education in a European context • Improved understanding of the education systems in the partner countries • Improved competences and skills developing ESL activities and materials• Increased awareness of building common European network of organisations • Increased awareness of encouraging staff to use innovative approaches and web 2.0 tools • Increased awareness of building team spirit, entrepreneurship and leadership in organisations • Introduction of new teaching systems and new content• Strengthening the European dimension and its development• Improved quality of English teachingOne of the long-term impacts would be the increase of the 42% of tested pupils, who reached the level of ‘independent user’ in the first foreign language to at least 65%."