Language Day “Languages in Context”
Event at Essex University for MFL teachers at local secondary schools
Saturday 22nd September 2007, 11-2.30
programme: 3 short workshops, international buffet lunch, talk about studying ML at Essex
This event had several aims:
 to extend our existing links to local schools
 to raise our profile by organising an event
 to raise the profile of foreign languages in general
 to exchange ideas with the school language teachers
 to socialise with the school language teachers and each other
 to target teachers as “multipliers” so that they can advise pupils better about language
choice and degree options
 to think about language learning and cultural context
 to step back and look at the “bigger picture” – where our students come from in terms
of learning, and where they go in case they choose a teaching career (“producing
enthusiastic language teachers”)
I had invited 101 teachers from schools around Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich (the letter
included our new languages leaflet), 16 from 8 different schools registered to come, of which
9 actually attended.
With the organisation, I had excellent support from my language teacher colleagues here at
the department, and I think we all benefited from the whole experience. From the feedback I
received, on the day and later, I conclude that the event was worth the effort and something
to build on. Even if most teachers did not take up the invitation, they have all been made
aware of our activities.
I would like to organise something similar next year, either in conjunction with the June or
the September Open Day. As it was interesting and enjoyable for us from the department, I
would very much like to involve some Linguistics staff as well next time: to give a talk about
L2 learning from the research perspective (see request by teacher below), and to socialise.
The teachers who attended brought an interesting perspective with them, and will hopefully
take away a good impression of the department and student numbers will rise as a
consequence!
Feedback on the Language Day:
From teachers, verbal comments on the day:
“Great opportunity to step back and think what it is all about”
“It gave me new ideas”
“Very much appreciated, also that teachers from private schools were included”
“Please send me the weblinks for the workshop” (which I did)
Comments by email:
“I welcomed the connection with the next stage of learning, as it were.”
I was a little surprised by the content but overall felt it was worth attending. I was pleased to
hear the courses organised by Essex to be a little more informed as to what happens in further
education. It might raise the profile of languages if we, as teachers, seem more confident in
the next stage.”
Comments from colleagues:
“very successful”, “positive atmosphere”, “interesting workshops”
There was also interest in future events by the teachers:
“I would very much like to hear your views on why take-up of languages is poor in
schools and also some information to inform us about the latest in the theory of learning
languages with some research based talks, maybe with an input from your students using a
questionnaire.
I would like to have a tour of facilities and structured discussions on the state of language
learning.”