We are delighted to announce that our clients NCCA and Ratoath College have accepted the 2009 European Award for Languages- The Language Label for the FÓN project. The FÓN project used Learnosity Voice to incorporate mobile phones into the teaching, learning and assessment of Irish for nearly 400 second year students in 6 schools. The European Award for Languages is presented in recognition of a project's ability to engage language learners in a manner that is both meaningful and productive, while at the same time promoting a positive attitude towards both the learning and use of the target language.
To celebrate the European Day of Languages, the award was presented in a celebration ceremony held on September 25th, by Professor David Crystal, writer, editor, lecturer and broadcaster, at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh, Dublin.
Jury comments for FÓN
The approach used in this project appears to permeate all aspects of the learning of Irish. Resources are carefully and creatively used... There is clear evidence of student progression... This initiative appears to stimulate interest and enhance motivation...
Find out more about the awards on the Léargas European Language Label, or download the 2009 Language Label booklet (pdf, 2.6mb). Read more on our award on the NCCA and websites.
The FÓN project is currently being evaluated with findings due in late 2009. Preliminary findings have indicated that the project has had a hugely positive impact on student learning due to the following reasons:
- Students were motiviated by the technologies involved.
- More opportunities were provided for students to practise their Irish and converse with others on the project.
- There was a shift in learning from teacher led to student directed and this empowered students.
- The ability to self assess allowed students to compare their levels of fluency with others.
About the European Language Label
The European Language Label, formerly known as the European Award for Languages, is an annual award recognising projects where participants have found creative and innovative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students, and make the best of available resources. The European Language Label is co-ordinated by the European Commission and managed in Ireland by Léargas.
The general criteria for winning an award, agreed at a European level, are as follows: Initiatives should be comprehensive, provide added value in their national context, motivate the students and teachers, be original and creative, have a European emphasis, and be transferable in that they might potentially be a source of inspiration for other language initiatives in different countries.
This year's Irish winners were selected on the basis of excellence, innovation, creativity and their ability to serve as a model for others. For Irish projects to be eligible for an award they must be:
- Innovative- involving a new method, approach, or resource.
- Effective- the work must be already completed or at least be able to show progress to date and provide evidence of self-evaluation and ongoing critical review.
- Replicable- there must be potential for growth and the possibility of providing a model for other projects and situations.
