Mind Their Language

Mind Their Language - Tips for implementing technology solutions in the language classroom

With continuing reports of declining student interest in languages, well thought out use of classroom tools can be crucial in engaging learners, and preparing them for an increasingly multi-cultural world. In today’s global marketplace, second or third language skills could provide competitive advantage in both the jobs market and within a student’s chosen career.

Despite popular misconceptions that English is, and will always remain the Lingua Franca of global business, it is important to remember that conservative estimates show well over 80% of the world’s population does not speak English. And with over 300 languages spoken in London schools, the value of a multicultural mindset and strong communication skills is indisputable.

Although the evidence of the value of language skills is strong, everywhere we look, British schoolchildren and adults alike frequently fall behind in league tables of language abilities, with the UK recently ranking second to bottom in an EU study on the subject. With 52.7% of Europeans able to claim fluency in both their native tongue and at least one other language, it sits in stark contrast that well over half of all Brits neglect foreign language options in school, a figure that is only increasing.

To help prepare students for success in this competitive marketplace, we turned to the experts for advice. Rosetta Stone, leading provider of language-learning tools to the education sector, support 15,000 schools, colleges and educational institutions around the world. Gustaf Nordbäck, Rosetta Stone UK Country Manager, offers some tips for choosing the right support tool for your classroom.

1. Technology-based solutions engage students in the learning process, optimising student interest. Today’s Digital Natives rely heavily on technology-based sources of information, and by incorporating this in the classroom, teachers can provide an optimum environment for language acquisition.
2. Some language-learning solutions recreate an immersive environment, surrounding learners in the target language almost as if they were in the country. This natural methodology bypasses translation and maximises effectiveness, helping students progress faster and stay engaged in the language-learning process.
3. Get them talking! The key to effective language acquisition is to practise the new language at every opportunity. Find a program that offers feedback on pronunciation and encourages users to speak from the very beginning. Flexibility to use the solution both within the classroom and at home will be beneficial too – allowing students to work on their accent in the privacy of their own home, and quickly build their confidence.
4. Make sure your selected solution covers all of the main areas of language-learning: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. This will support your curriculum requirements and help students develop a strong base in all areas of the language.
5. Make learning fun. Acquiring a new language can quickly become something learners want to do rather than something they have to do. Games, puzzles and activities that reinforce language-learning are motivational, so find a program that promotes these types of activities.
6. Search for a method that stimulates thinking in the new language from the start. Rather than memorising stock phrases, find a program that helps learners develop the ability to adapt to new situations and gives learners the tools to create new sentences independently.
7. Programs that are tailored for the language classroom will include teacher management tools, allowing you to track and report on progress, edit curricula and manage learner groups. The data generated by these tools can provide potential guidance on areas in which pupils can benefit from additional classroom support.