Boys' performance in modern foreign languages
Listening to learners

Barry Jones & Gwenneth Jones

With contributions from Helen Demetriou, Peter Downes & Jean Rudduck

This book presents research findings and recommendations resulting from a project on boys' under-achievement carried out by Homerton College, Cambridge on behalf of QCA. The findings, based on interviews and focus groups with boys – and some girls – in Years 9 and 11, are presented along with sample evidence, including some hard-hitting quotes. It also includes recommendations from the research team, formulated partly as a response to the problems identified, but drawing also on the boys' positive experiences and suggestions. Boys' performance in MFL is essential reading for anyone concerned to understand the reasons behind boys' under-achievement in languages and to support all learners in reaching their full potential.

Contents

Introduction | Approach | The distinctive nature of Modern Foreign Languages | Classroom interaction and interpersonal relationships | Boys' awareness of what helps and what hinders their learning | Teachers' reflections on boys and Modern Foreign Languages | Summary of key findings and recommendations for practice and policy | Conclusion | Bibliography

2001 | 78pp | ISBN-13: 978-1-902031-94-1 | ISBN-10: 1-902031-94-6 | £12 | Order this title online

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