PPLI Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 15
Spotlight on Schools
Spotlight on Schools showcases and promotes good practice of language teachers across the country, not
only within the language teaching community, but also within their schools and beyond. Four spotlight items
were launched in 2020.
https://ppli.ie/developing-a-plurilingual-school-environment/
https://ppli.ie/spotlight-on-schools-using-peer-teaching-in-ty/
https://ppli.ie/incorporating-numeracy-into-the-mfl-classroom-a-countdown-game/
https://ppli.ie/spotlight-on-schools/?gresource=pictograms-in-the-mfl-classroom-using-a-visual-stimulus/
Developing a plurilingual school environment
This project highlighted the fostering of an inclusive and plurilingual school
environment, where all the languages spoken by the school community are
valued. It also shows how the students´mother tongue can support their
learning while offering practical guidance resources for teachers and students.
The activities and resources support not only heritage language speakers, but
the school community as a whole. It celebrates diversity as well as addressing
the challenges heritage language speakers can sometimes face in school.
Language Exchange on Borders: Debating and Spoken Language Skills
The focus of this project was on a language exchange between Irish students and native speakers, using
debating and spoken language skills. The aims of the project were to develop students’ oral skills and
confidence in speaking, to expand students’ cultural and geopolitical awareness and to encourage students
to give their opinion on topics relevant to the Leaving Certificate.
Incorporating numeracy into the MFL classroom: a countdown game
In this project, students play with numbers in the target language to learn Chinese and to promote numeracy.
The project also supports students’ language development by teaching them to recognise a range of
patterns and structures, as well as the linguistic and numerical systems of the language.
Pictograms in the MFL classroom: Using a visual stimulus
The teacher in this project uses visual stimulus cards to encourage students to use the target language and
also to improve oral communicative competencies. The project also allows for differentiation and encourages
the development of language and intercultural awareness.
Impact
•
Good practice is disseminated and opportunities for sharing and accessing good practice are increased
•
Spotlight on Schools continued to showcase good practice in schools around Ireland
Next Steps
•
Continue to feature Spotlight on Schools on the PPLI website and newsletter as a means of promoting
good practice and innovation in Irish classrooms.
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