 The project
"Train the trainers in foreign languages for adults: development of an
innovative approach in teaching the Russian language in Europe", known
under the acronym Sputnik, has joined partners from six European countries
whose applications have been selected among the ten originally proposed.
This multi-stakeholder
partnership was shaped to ensure a maximum diversity in the nature of the
partners: there is one association, two language centers, foundations, one
company and one NGO.
One of the
first objectives of the project Sputnik is to improve the quality of the
teaching of Russian adults in Europe.
This
partnership has enabled the development of two training and learning modules:
one for the trainers and the other one for adult learners.
Each
partner has held at least one seminar and a workshop or a master class for
students. The challenge of language learning for adults and the specificities
of the teaching of Russian was the focus of discussions of these sessions of
cross-training of professionals.
The
creation of networks of contacts between international teams has become a
source of professional action where each partner has to bring its expertise and
experience.
The Sputnik
project also promoted the transfer and exchange of good practice for trainers
and the development of a common innovative approach in this field.
Partners from six European countries
aimed at creating simple and innovative working tools aimed at adult education centers,
enabling them to improve the learning of language skills.
It was
decided from the start to apply the tools in different cultural contexts.
The
teaching staff has evaluated all practices and all programmes used and has
conducted studies to determine the needs of the population in this area.
Thus, an
analysis of needs and motivations of learners was conducted in each partner
country which has allowed to develop an appropriate approach and lead to the
creation of "Sputnik" – a learning method for adults of Russian.
Teaching
teams and groups of learners were involved in the implementation of the project
from the beginning to the end of the experiment, creating a real synergy.
Although
the creation of the product has involved only six partners, the final tool is
very rich. While keeping the same concept and approach, the Sputnik method
enriches the learning of Russian language for adults as well as the training
courses for teachers.
The method includes a few chapters
preceded by an introduction and methodological guidelines to set up, to be
exploited rather in terms of advice:
-
"Daily life in Russia" (France);
- "A business trip" (Slovenia);
- "Europe: cities and people" (Spain);
- "Russian for all" (Cyprus);
- Grammar illustrated by examples of Russian classical literature" (Great Britain);
- "The interactive Russian" (the Netherlands).
In the Annex :
- A resource guide for learning the Russian language online;
- Guidelines for the computer user.
The international team of the project
Sputnik will share the final product with educational and training communities
so teachers/ trainers can adapt it to their current needs.
Most of the products of the Sputnik
method are directly inspired by the practice and the experience of all the
partners and they have been evolving throughout the project life-time.
Thus,
Sputnik is an online tool for learning Russian language and culture in Russian
set up for the use of trainers and learners.
The Sputnik internet platform is a key
element in disseminating the results of the project. It welcomes all products
made by learners and trainers in different countries. It is the technical basis
for editing and creating content accessible to all and it encourages a
collaborative approach.
Work for a
European project has strengthened the sense of European citizenship for all
participants.
During these two years the partners were
able to develop ways of working in a transnational, multilingual and
multicultural environment creating a real international team.  |
