Language pluses
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Language pluses
https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/language-pluses
The TESS Curriculum Special last week reported that Maths Year had been a great success, with the momentum being maintained into this year, though putting any figures on that would be a real mathematical challenge. At least Mr McConnell has a coherent, long-term programme to evaluate - and fund. He has promised a response by March to the Mulgrew report on school teaching of languages.
Theconference that framed his speech on Monday appeared to agree that relevance is a key factor in language learning. English speakers have a problem not shared by, say, the Dutch and the Danes. While they are busy successfully mastering our idioms, we sit pat confidently assuming that when push comes to shove (one of those tricky idioms), everyone around the world will address us in English. That is not the case as exporters know.
A good introduction to languages in primary is better than forced study to the end of S4. That is the basis of the Mulgrew report whose cost in terms of training ought to figure in the post-McCrone programme for revamped initial teacher education and continuing professional development. For once, the means may be easier to find than the motivation.
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