Feedback on the 2011 Seminars

REAL-TICE, held in June this year in the stunning 18th century Escuelas Pias, part of the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, brought together language teachers to explore how ICT is transforming the way we teach and learn languages. From augmented reality to web 2.0, the participants received practical tips and advice about using new technology in the classroom. The seminar’s plenary sessions and workshops, held in four different languages (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish), were accompanied by a range of social activities including multilingual stories, guided visits of Madrid’s literary quarter as well as a trip to the Reina Sofia Museum. To find out more about the seminar, check out this video.

The second seminar of the year took place in the heart of the French Alps on the leafy campus of Grenoble University. Delegates had the chance to critically reflect upon the profound shifts in the way we approach the teaching of languages since the introduction of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. The seminar took a dual perspective looking at both the theory of the CEFR and how it is being used on the ground across Europe, with particular focus on how it fits with assessment, ICT and pedagogy. An outing was organised to visit a distillery and a 16th century château as well as a guided visit of Grenoble’s historic sights.

REAL is committed to offering training opportunities in line with the needs of teachers. The topics of all our recent seminars have been decided according to the results of a survey to which over 700 teachers replied. In 2010, REAL held two other seminars for teachers: one focusing on motivation and the other on integrating the European dimension into language teaching. We also organise training events for active members of language teacher associations which provide guidance on practical aspects of running an association.

Are you interested in finding out more about REAL? Why not come along to our Launch Conference – Making It REAL to be held on 7-8 November at CIEP in Sèvres (near to Paris), France? You will have the chance to hear speakers from REAL and further afield offering their take on multilingualism in Europe. In addition, practical workshops will be on offer centred around themes of specific relevance to leaders of language teacher associations.