TRAINING: EASY TOOLS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES EDUCATORS

<< Background >>Based on preliminary research, as well as 15 years of experience in the field of teaching foreign languages ​​and feedback from colleagues who participated in our workshops, we concluded that educators teaching foreign languages ​​to adults lack practical knowledge of using active exercises for work (teaching without a textbook) with adult students.This opinion was later confirmed by the results of a questionnaire conducted as part of the project. When asked how many books about active methods of teaching foreign languages ​​you know, the majority answered 1-5 books. It means that active methods of teaching foreign languages ​​to adults are in demand.We decided to create a collection of exercises for the implementation of which there are only 6 simple things available to every teacher: paper, markers, paper tape, scissors, rope and a ball. These items fit easily into a small box and can be kept in the classroom at all times.To inspire teachers to use the exercises described in the book, we with partners planned workshops (offline and online) and filming video clips where the authors talk about their favorite exercises. These videos were also supposed to open from the book via a QR code.<< Objectives >>Our main goal was to create and maintain a European community of foreign language teachers who use active learning methods in the classroom and popularize active learning methods among colleagues. We wanted to exchange experience with colleagues from different EU countries on the use of active exercises in foreign language lessons with adult groups.And also, using synergy, create a new joint collection of exercises that would include 5 types of activity games: energizers (active games), exercises for expanding vocabulary, exercises for consolidating grammar, exercises for communication and exercises for developing writing.Based on this handbook, we planned to conduct a series of online and offline trainings to inspire EU teachers to put the exercises into practice. In order to inspire not only current, but also future colleagues (educators of foreign languages ​​for adults), we planned to film videos with the authors of the exercises, where they would clearly and in detail talk about the most interesting exercises.<< Implementation >>This project consisted of 9 activities: 1. Preparatory meetings. Necessary for preliminary acquaintance and attunement with the direct participants of the project.2. Preparation of the workshop program. We needed to agree on the typology of exercises, to explore what types of exercises we already have and what types of exercises we would need to develop together. 3. Conducting workshop in Estonia with partners. Here we directly developed a collection of 100 exercises and games.4. Training for foreign language educators in Tallinn. International teams presented the exercises to their colleagues in practice. 5. Production of the training-based video materials. Project participants recorded video instructions for their games.6. Open online workshop for European educators. To support the community of foreign language teachers from the EU, we shared exercises from the collection.7. Production of the book for educators. There was editorial work on a selection of exercises and technical layout of the book. 8. Follow-up meeting. Final feedback from participants. 9. Project management. To implement a multi-component project, we needed clear project management.<< Results >>1) A unique handbook “EASY TOOLS” has been developed, consisting of 100 exercises (65 pages) and games that can be played using only 6 things: paper, markers, a ball, paper tape, rope and scissors. You can download the collection here: https://erasmus.gamekeskus.ee/So far, 440 people have downloaded the book from the site. Then everyone could forward the book to an average of 5-6 colleagues; it can be predicted that about 2,000 teachers are currently actively using the book.2) 14 videos with the authors were filmed and posted: https://www.youtube.com/@gamekeskus4017/videos3) A workshop for teachers was held in Tallinn (99 registrations, 60 participants)4) An online workshop was held for teachers from the EU (393 registrations, 173 participants)5) Activities were carried out to dissimilate the project