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Shaping the way ahead
Shaping the way ahead is the title of a DIUS (Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills) consultation into informal adult learning. DIUS defines informal adult learning as: "structured or unstructured part-time non-vocational learning which does not lead to qualifications…This kind of learning activity can take place anywhere – in a local college, community, centre, pub or on the North Yorkshire moors. It embraces all kinds of activity ranging from family learning, sports and recreation to the art, humanities and foreign languages." (Informal adult learning - Shaping the way ahead January 2008 DIUS)

The consultation paper is designed to stimulate debate and shape future government policy. The consultatation closed in June and a report is expected during the Autumn. You can read more details at www.adultlearningconsultation.org.uk.

Fewer publicly funded places for adult learners
NIACE (National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education) reports that participation in adult language learning remains buoyant. Figures for 2005-06 put languages fourth in order of popularity for all adult learners and the second most popular choice for learners who are 55 years of age and over.

According to the latest figures released by the Learning and Skills Council (December 2007) in the Statistical First Release, 700,000 learners have been lost to publicly-funded adult education in the last year (06-07). This now means that in just 2 years (between 2005 and 2007) there has been a fall of 1,400,000 adult learners. Statistics for the programme area in which languages provision sits, show a fall in participation of around 21%.

Comenius Netword contacts from around England report that, since September 2007, some areas have fewer courses on offer; some have undergone major changes in service management infrastructures and teachers are facing increasing isolation in the work that they do. The picture overall is inconsistent. There are places where languages have maintained historical levels of provision and management and others where programmes have suffered severe cutbacks or even disappeared completely.

14/04/08

Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning
NIACE (National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education) is hosting an independent commission of inquiry into the future for lifelong learning. The inquiry was launched on 25 September 2007 and will report in Spring 2009. It will look at the critical issues that will face our society in coming decades, and identify how adult learning can equip us to meet these challenges. Key themes have been identified to provide a focus for the work. Experts will come together to identify a broad consensus for the future direction of adult learning policy in the UK.

You can contribute by responding to a call for evidence or through participation in one of the thematic conferences or learner events by emailing: lifelonglearninginquiry@niace.org.uk

14/04/08

Qualifications for teachers in the Learning and Skills Sector
From September 2007 the Government expects that all new staff employed as teachers, tutors, trainers, lecturers and instructors must be professionally registered and licensed to practise by the Institute for Learning (IfL). To be licensed all teachers must be trained to a standard that allows them to achieve either Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status or Associate Teacher Learning and Skills (ATLS) status. All teachers should undertake at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) per year, with reduced amounts for those on sessional, fractional or part-time contracts, and maintain a record of CPD activities undertaken. Lifelong Learning UK is the sector skills council responsible for the professional development of those working in the UK lifelong learning sector. On its website is a useful summary sheet that maps routes to qualifications. On the CILT website you will find more details about CPD requirements.

14/04/08

What stops an adult from learning languages?
The Adult Learning Inspectorate report of April 2007 identifies seven key barriers that have the potential to prevent adults from learning languages. The barriers are:

• an absence of local learning strategies

• insufficient cooperation between providers

• insufficient specialist curriculum leadership

• poorly qualified tutors

• wrongly applied accreditation

• insufficiently individualised learning

• insufficient opportunities for language learning in vocational and work-based programmes

Among the report’s recommendations are the following for providers:

• take measures to recognise achievement and to identify progression opportunities

• continue to develop language-specific methodology and mentoring arrangements for tutors

• provide opportunities for sharing good practice between tutors

• improve individual advice and guidance for language learners and ensure that individual aims can be met

14/04/08

Qualifications for learners
From September 2008 the first new Diploma qualifications will be piloted. These qualifications are for the 14-19 year old market. There are opportunities to study a language within the Diplomas and the Quality and Curriculum Authority has been consulting on the need for a new language qualification that would be used to accredit languages for diploma candidates. They also think that this new qualification might be applicable to adult learners as a stand-alone accreditation option (i.e. not as part of a whole Diploma). For more information about diplomas go to the 14-19 pages of the CILT website where you can find out how providers are including languages in their diploma programmes. On the QCA website you will find more about diplomas and about proposed changes to languages GCSE exams.

For a general overview of accreditation for language learning consult the CILT website at www.cilt.org.uk/14to19/qualifications/index.htm; or www.cilt.org.uk/14to19/alt_accred/index.htm

14/04/08

Getting hooked on ILT in Cornwall
Pam Fikri, Tutor of French and Spanish, Caradon Adult Education Centre, Cornwall
Since my PGCE 14 years ago I have taught in quite a traditional way. Recently, I have become increasingly committed to using technology in the classroom and have seen it having a very positive impact on my learners.

I started with PowerPoint to improve presentation. I now regularly use the interactive white board with my learners. It’s especially good for starters and plenaries where learners come to the board to take part in online interactive quizzes or games. It helps with target language in the classroom too as the excellent images available reduce the need to resort to English.

Setting up and maintaining Moodle portals for two of my groups on the Cornwall Adult Learners website has been valuable. It’s a popular way for the learners to catch up with a session they may have missed or to use for extra practice in between classes. 

Now I find I’m unable to resist the temptations of new technologies. I’m using Optivote software to carry out multiple choice quizzes where learners "zap" their chosen answer using a handset. This has added fun to what we do as well as being a great tool for assessing progress. I supported an Intermediate Spanish group in using Photostory 3 for Windows. They enthusiastically recorded themselves using the Digital Voice Recorder, typing in text, and uploading digital photos.

The software which blends different media to play out like a short film is available free from the Microsoft website.

My learners to have a final product of which to be proud…and along the way they learned something new about ILT too!

I can honestly say that ILT has transformed the way I teach. I have come a long way in ILT terms and have gained renewed interest in what I do, because I have been challenged too. Learners have had the benefit of using new technologies themselves and this has helped bring certain topics alive for them. Learning alongside our learners can be a very refreshing thing to do.

14/04/08

Interpreting and translating in Leicestershire
Leicester and Leicestershire public services and the voluntary sector frequently require interpreters and translators to support their staff and clients. These include members of the established black, ethnic minority and deaf communities and also new arrivals to the area who need help in accessing the services that are on offer. It has become increasingly apparent that the supply of qualified interpreters and translators is not sufficient to meet the demands of the many communities living in the area. At the same time, the county is sitting on an untapped resource of linguistic expertise among its ethnic population.

The Leicestershire and Leicester City Learning Partnership facilitates and co-ordinates a number of multi agency groups to address issues of supply and demand. Work to date includes:

• An audit of interpreters and their qualifications plus analysis of the most frequently requested languages

• Development of a strategy covering the employment and deployment of interpreters and translators in the public services in Leicester city and Leicestershire; development of best practice and co-ordinated approaches

• The Interpretation and Translation Network project funded by European Social Fund has developed and delivered an accredited pathway in interpreting and translating skills from entry to level 3 for speakers of community languages

• The multi-agency group is developing collaborative ways to deliver the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting to enable as many people as possible to achieve professional qualifications

• The British Sign Language group has focused on ways to make new teacher qualifications accessible to deaf people

To find out more about the latest developments in interpreting and translating go to www.cilt.org.uk/standards/interpreting.htm and www.cilt.org.uk/he/routes.html

If you teach community languages to adult learners go to www.cilt.org.uk/commlangs/index.htm to discover more about CILT support.

14/04/08

Inspiring CPD in Paris
Georgina Martin, French teacher, Cornwall Adult Education Service
The Grundtvig programme is a passport to partnerships and training opportunities for adult education organisations, teachers and learners. The programme is part of the European Commission’s new Lifelong Learning Programme and aims to strengthen the European dimension in adult education and lifelong learning across Europe.

I recently attended a Grundtvig training course in Paris. What a fantastic experience and a wonderful opportunity for teachers of French to adults – a whole week speaking nothing but French and concentrating on improving teaching skills.

The content of the course covered: e-learning, the integration of the European dimension and of Francophonie in the teaching of French to adults.  We looked specifically at differentiation; how to make learners less dependent on the written word and more independent and confident when speaking French. Training activities were varied: group work and discussions in the target language; practical hands-on workshops using ICT; Powerpoint and the Virtual Learning Environment; pair work; use of songs; museum visits in the target language; games; a treasure trail to discover Paris; a conference about the EU at Jean Monnet's house; video presentations and finally a visit to TV5 with lots of opportunities to learn about francophonie. We were also able to network before and after the course via Moodle and to share resources this way too.

It was stimulating to work together with tutors from Britain and from other EU countries. At the end of the course we all shared the same enthusiasm for making full use of target language and appropriate technology in the classroom so that our learners have a great language learning experience.

Although my students missed me for a week in October they certainly feel that they have benefited from all the interesting activities that I’ve implemented since my "Stage à Paris".

For more information about Grundtvig courses abroad go to: http://www.grundtvig.org.uk/

14/04/08

Vocational language teaching and learning in London
The College of North East London (CONEL) is a large general Further Education institution based in Hackney in London. CONEL has a good record in providing languages within a work-based setting. Language courses were initially requested via Trade Union learning representatives. As a result of this approach Spanish has been taught to London Transport staff and to Safeway shelf-stackers on site. Course participants appreciate the convenience of classes being delivered in the workplace and courses are very popular. Safeway staff have reported finding the language useful for communicating with Spanish lorry drivers making deliveries.

CONEL is developing a reputation for new, exciting ways of delivering language teaching linked to vocational training. For their 14-19 year olds they have developed a scheme of work and related resources specific to teaching a language in the context of Health and Social Care. They intend to include Polish within the new 14-19 Construction Diploma, which will begin in September 2008. 

For further information and more case studies of good practice in the delivery of vocational language teaching and learning go to www.cilt.org.uk/14to19/fe/index.htm

14/04/08

21 Saturday June 2008. Comenius Netword East Midlands forum meeting, Quorn Hall. "Activities for assessment" Contact: Pauline Swanton netword@comeniusem.org.uk

28 June 2008. Comenius Netword and Comenius East Midlands
The Peepul Centre, Leicester. An event for teachers of community languages Contact: Gill West gwest@comeniusem.org.uk

10 June 2008, Comenius Netword North East forum at Gosforth High School, Newcastle upon Tyne. Contact Ondra Nicholson at Comenius North East or download the flier (pdf 60 kb) for details.

Saturday April 5 2008 Comenius Netword training event at Cornwall Adult Education Service Centre, Newquay. Contact for further information: Michele Laouenan mlaouenan@btinternet.com

Saturday April 12 2008 CILT Comenius Netword and the Association for Language Learning. “The Language World Fringe Event for adult education” at the Queens College, High Street, Oxford 9.30 – 12.30 Registration via www.all-languages.org.uk

Saturday May 10 2008 Comenius Netword and ALL South Yorkshire branch “Getting to Grips with Grammar” contact for further information: Evalamb@hotmail.com

Friday June 6 2008, Adult Education Languages Show, University of Derby. Go to www.cilt.org.uk/cpd/ae.htm

Saturday June 10 2008, Comenius Netword North East forum at Gosforth High School, Newcastle upon Tyne. Contact Ondra Nicholson at Comenius North East or download the flier (pdf 96 kb) for details.

Saturday 21 June 2008 Comenius Netword East Midlands forum meeting, Quorn Hall. “Activities for assessment” Contact: Pauline Swanton netword@comeniusem.org.uk

Consultations on adult learning

There are two major consultations currently taking place into adult learning. Both call for evidence from the field. One is conducted by NIACE and called the Lifelong Learning Inquiry (www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry) the other from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills is an investigation into informal adult learning called “Shaping the way ahead” (www.dius.gov.uk/consultations)

Diary dates for 2007-08

Coming soon: CILT Comenius Netword meetings and events in the East of England (16 January 2008); in the East Midlands (23 February 2008);in the West Midlands (26 February 2008); in the North West (1 March 2008); in Yorkshire and the Humber (8 March 2008); in the North East (15 March 2008). Information about reserving a place on these events will be available soon from regional Comenius centres. And on Saturday 9 February 2008, an intensive day for adult learners of French at Judgemeadow School, Leicester – a specialist language college. This is a partnership event with the Association for Language Learning.

In addition the following training days for teachers of languages to adults are on offer from Netword

Using online materials in the classroom Focusing primarily on BBC courses for French, German, Spanish and Italian, this will be a step by step guide to creating activities for classroom use from online courses for learners. We will consider how such activities might be incorporated even when access to IT is limited. Suitable for teachers with basic IT user skills

Getting to Grips with Grammar The why, what, how and when of teaching grammar to adult learners. A day on the theory and practice of grammar teaching to encourage reflective practice and the development of classroom skills, strategies and resources.Learning to love RARPA

A requirement of the quality process in non-accredited learning, RARPA (Recognising and Recording Performance and Achievement) impacts in the classroom, on preparation and on recording. Finding ways of making the process and its documentation work effectively in languages courses is the purpose, making RARPA fun for learners the aim.

Intensive days for adult language learners
Bringing learners of all levels together for intensive days of language training and use requires careful planning and preparation. We will look at a thematic model of delivery that relies on differentiated behaviour and activities and ensures an unforgettable experience for all!

These training days can be booked by contacting Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager at netword@comeniusem.org.uk.

27.09.05

East forum meeting

16 January 2008 meeting of the East Comenius Netword forum in collaboration with Comenius East.

This free seminar starts with lunch followed by sessions on differentiating and differentiated resources for use in adult language classes by Pauline Swanton, Manager, Comenius Netword; Diplomas Update - A toe in the water by Sharon Czudak, 14-19 Language Teaching Adviser, CILT; and of the new Asset World of Work awards from Gerry Procter of Asset Languages.

Contact Marie Stevenson on 0845 196 2967 at Comenius East or download the flier (Word 205 kb).

West Midlands Forum meeting

26 January 2008 This event is for teachers of languages to adults. Comenius Netword Forum meetings are part training, part networking events. There is a straightforward, standard format that encourages focused discussion on immediate issues, opportunities to browse, create and test resources and activities, and updating from CiLT and other sources regarding adult education and language education in general.

Contact Denise Wilson or Wendy Hughes on 0121 303 8882 or download the application form (Word 81 KB).

East Midlands forum meeting

23 February 2008 meeting of the East Midlands Comenius Netword forum in collaboration with Comenius East Midlands.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager or Lyn Palmer on 01509 416 990 at Comenius East Midlands

North West forum meeting

1 March 2008 meeting of the North West Comenius Netword forum in collaboration with Comenius North West. The why, what, how and when of teaching grammar to adult learners. A day on the theory and practice of grammar teaching to encourage reflective practice and the development of classroom skills, strategies and resources.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager or Maria Carnota-Marco on 01524 384 488 at Comenius North West

Yorkshire and the Humber forum meeting

8 March 2008 meeting of the Yorkshire and the Humber Comenius Netword forum in collaboration with Comenius Yorkshire and the Humber.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager or Ann Gregory on 01904 876 775 at Comenius Yorkshire and the Humber

North East forum meeting

15 March 2008 meeting of the North East Comenius Netword forum in collaboration with Comenius North East. The session will cover:

• News and views from the region and beyond regarding language programmes for adults
• Workshop session on choosing, creating and using differentiated resources
• Resources for teaching and learning: an opportunity to browse and discuss Netword’s resources for teaching and learning

For more information, contact Ondra Nicholson on 0191 383 1640 or download the flier (33 KB pdf).

Intensive French day

9 February 2008 10.00 – 15.30, Leicester. An intensive French Day for adult learners in collaboration with the Association for Language Learning at Judgemeadow Language College in Leicester.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager.

Community Languages event

17 November 2007 Peepul Centre, Leicester. 10.00 – 16.00. An event for teachers of community languages in collaboration with CiLT, the National Centre for Languages, Comenius East Midlands and others. A day for teachers from all sectors, including adults, that will focus on best practice in community language classrooms.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager or Lyn Palmer on 01509 416 990 at Comenius East Midlands

East Midlands forum meeting

10 November 2007 10.00 – 13.00 Comenius Netword meeting for teachers of languages to adults at Comenius East Midlands, Quorn, Leicestershire. The Comenius Netword Forum is based on a model of three half day meetings per year. The forum is a part-training, part-networking event. There is a straightforward, standard format for meetings that encourages focussed discussion on immediate issues, opportunities to browse, create and test resources and activities, and updating from CiLT and other sources regarding adult education and language education in general.

Contact Pauline Swanton, Comenius Netword Manager or Lyn Palmer on 01509 416 990 at Comenius East Midlands.

Adults Learning Languages

8 September 2007, York St John University. This conference is for teachers of adult language learners (foreign languages and ESOL) led by Pauline Swanton, CILT Comenius Netword Manager. Pauline's presentation will include an update on AE, choosing resources & differentiation. This conference is aimed at anyone with an interest in developing or teaching languages to adults, e.g. teachers and tutors in AE, FE, HE, Advisers and native speakers. Coordinators include: Ann Gregory, Comenius Centre Manager, York St John University, Patricia Hughes, Curriculum Manager for Languages, North Yorkshire County Council, Sue Maitland, City of York Adult & Community Education Service and Cherry Hillier, Curriculum Leader, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Adult Education Service. They will bring you up-to-date on local developments. In the afternoon, there will be separate discussion groups for individual languages, when you are asked to share ideas & resources. Please bring examples with you.

Cost: £150**, including refreshments, lunch and documentation. (**Tutors from City of York Council, North Yorkshire, East Riding and York St John should initially apply for funded places through their MFL/ESOL co-ordinator).

For more information download the application form (Word 107 KB).

Adult Learners Week 2007
Adult Learners' Week is an opportunity to celebrate, promote and advance all forms of adult learning and is co-ordinated by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. CILT, the National Centre for Languages is proud to support the campaign and we hope that languages will bring your ALW activities to life, try something new this Adult Learners' Week! For more information go to: www.cilt.org.uk/promoting/activities/alw2007.htm

Improving Performance Conference at York St John University College
Comenius Yorkshire and the Humber at York held a conference on Saturday 19 September for over 40 tutors from across the region, who are involved in teaching languages to adults either in HE, FE or AE. This was a result of collaboration, meetings & discussions with the curriculum leaders and managers from York St John University College, City of York Council, York College, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire and we were fortunate to have Steven Fawkes, ex- BBC (just ex!) and now independent consultant, to lead the day. Steven’s morning session gave examples of how a little in terms of resources can go a long way, and how tutors can hand over responsibility for creative learning to the students. As usual, this was an entertaining and interactive session and provoked a lively response.

We started the afternoon with a short news slot from the managers. These included an update on the languages offered in each institution or authority, and information about special projects. These included the Socrates-funded ‘Lingue in Piazza’ project (www.lingueinpiazza.eu) involving York College, which had included performances and advice sessions in the old market place in York city centre in June.

Later in the afternoon, we regrouped into ‘language groups’, with an additional group for less-taught languages. In these discussions, tutors were able to share good practice, network and recommend resources. As many tutors work in isolation, they really appreciated this chance to get together.

The conference evaluations were very positive, and attendees particularly enjoyed the rare opportunity to share ideas and meet colleagues from other authorities engaged in similar work. Funding support was received from each authority as well as from York St John University College. We hope to be able to repeat this collaborative venture in the future.

02.10.06

Getting to Grips with Grammar Teaching

23 February 2007 at Leicester Adult Education College. Speaker: Simon Green, Regional Manager, CILT Comenius, Yorkshire and the Humber. This is the second training opportunity offered by CILT Comenius Netword and partners to focus on the teaching and learning of grammar in adult language provision. In the first session we looked at:

• barriers to learning and teaching grammar
• the place of grammar in language learning and teaching
• introducing grammar to language learners

This session is about taking action in languages classrooms. The focus is on practical strategies, ways and means of introducing and practising grammar that you can put to use with your learners. You are welcome to join this session even if you were unable to attend the first. This is a FREE event. Places are limited and on a first come first served basis. For more information contact Jean Silcock or download the application form (pdf 631 KB)

A workshop for teachers of languages in post-19 sectors

31 March University of Oxford. This practical session will focus on good ideas for teaching languages to adult learners. It will be an excellent opportunity to refresh classroom practice and to exchange views and activities. The workshop is a fringe event of the Association for Language Learning’s Language World Conference and participants will be able to attend for free the conference exhibition and promotional workshops taking place from 12.45. The cost of the workshop is £15 per person. For more informaio

Cheshire Netword Swap Shop
17 March 2007, Mid Cheshire College, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1LJ. Bernard Sénier, Regional Subject Lead for the Subject Coaches Network will be focusing on the new language teaching materials for adults. Cheshirenetword is pleased to welcome Bernard Sénier, who will lead a workshop on these exciting new resources. Come and see them in action, use them yourself, talk to other tutors and exchange ideas on how best to exploit these and other materials. You and your learners will be re-energised.

For more information, download the flier (Word 178 KB) or contact Chris Ball on 01606 593 260.

Language World 2007
This is the UK’s major event for language teachers and professionals from all sectors. The next event will take place from 30-31 March 2007 at the Examination Schools, University of Oxford.

Language World includes:

• A two-day programme of talks, workshops and plenary sessions from leading experts and practitioners
• The largest UK exhibition of resources and equipment for language teaching and learning

A mixture of social events to meet up with colleagues old and new. The event itself is an opportunity for language teachers and educators to come together to learn from each other and to share, discuss and celebrate the best in language learning. Language World is a great example of the buzz and creativity that can come from working together, and will provide many examples of how we can develop exciting learning opportunities through partnership and collaboration across sectors, subjects and countries.

For more information go to: www.all-languages.org.uk/events.asp

Are you making the most of online?: Free training for teachers of French, Spanish, German and Italian to adults

19 January 2007, Leicester Adult Education College.

Led by Comenius Netword colleagues, a hands-on workshop which will include:

• Using materials from BBC “Steps” courses in class. How and why online materials are a good idea. How to use BBC online resources for teaching.
• Small group work with specialist facilitation to create an activity to take
  away.

This workshop is for teachers of French, Spanish, German and Italian to adults. The resources are targeted at beginners but the principles of resource production and the content may be adapted for other levels. The training will be of particular value to those teachers who do not yet, or have only recently, started to use online resources for teaching. Participants should have basic IT user skills.
Places on this workshop will be strictly limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information, contact Jean Silcock or download the flier (pdf 590 KB).

Speaking the same language – Illustrated examples of best practice in partnership

30 January 2007, Warwickshire College, Warwick. Organised in partnership with Comenius West Midlands this half-day seminar will look at the following subjects:

• Leadership and Partnership Structures
• Motivation and meeting aspirations
• Different kinds of partnership

and will feature a workshop on issues within AE languages that would benefit from a collaborative response. For more information, contact Lianne Wyke or download the flier (Word 144 KB)

Grundtvig 3 Course for Adult Education Tutors
Paris 28 October – 3 November 2006 ‘Classroom practice, E-learning/Virtual Learning Environment and the integration of the European Dimension in the teaching of French to adults’. This course, all in French, is aimed at Adult Education tutors of French. The course takes place in Paris in November 2006 with accommodation in a small hotel in the XVIIIè, Montmartre area. The course leader is Michèle Laouénan, Curriculum and Quality Advisor for Languages with Cornwall Adult Education Service. She has led several similar courses in Paris. For more information, download the information sheet (Word 80 KB).

29.09.06

Is your adult language learning project outstanding?

Are you involved in an exciting languages initiative? If so, why not apply this year and help continue to raise the profile of the great work being done with adult learners? With languages in adult education facing challenging times it is important to celebrate innovative projects, which engage and inspire adult learners.

Language-learning initiatives have a chance to prove they can represent Britain on the European stage. Project co-ordinators across the UK have until mid-April to provide evidence of creative, motivating and inspirational projects for a chance to win a European Award for Languages, resources and cash prizes totalling over £3,000.

The European Award for Languages recognises new, motivating language-learning initiatives, which serve as inspiration in other contexts, languages and countries. One of the winning projects will be selected by the Mary Glasgow Trust to receive its annual award, now £2,000.

Routledge is once again sponsoring the Adult Education Language Prize for the best projects involving adult learners, could your project be a winner?

For more details see www.cilt.org.uk/eal

Languages in Adult Learners Week

Adult Learners' Week is an opportunity to celebrate, promote and advance all forms of adult learning and is co-ordinated by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. CILT, the National Centre for Languages is proud to support the campaign and we hope that languages will bring your ALW activities to life, try something new this Adult Learners' Week!

Themes for Adult Learners' Week form the basis for many of the events held around the UK. This year, we see the importance of languages and culture recognised through the themes Learning at, and for, work and Learning in a global context. This is particularly relevent in 2006 - the European Year of Workers' Mobility. For more information go to www.cilt.org.uk/promoting/activities/alw2006.htm or to the CILT press release www.cilt.org.uk/news/index.htm#aestatement

Improving Performance

A conference for teachers of adult language learners (foreign languages and ESOL) led by Steven Fawkes, Policy Adviser, BBC Learning & Interactive at York St John University College on Saturday 9 September 2006, 10 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Cost: £150**, including refreshments, lunch and documentation
(**Tutors from City of York Council ,North Yorkshire, East Riding and York St John should initially apply for funded places through their MFL/ESOL co-ordinator)

This conference is aimed at anyone with an interest in developing or teaching languages to adults, for example teachers and tutors in AE, FE, HE, Advisers and native speakers. For more information, download the flier (Word 417 KB)

11.04.06

Classroom practice, E-learning/Virtual Learning Environment and the integration of the European Dimension in the teaching of French to adults

11-17 June 2006, Paris. This residential course, all in French, is aimed at Adult Education tutors of French and is funded by the EU's Grundtvig programme. It will be led by Michèle Laouénan, Curriculum Area Leader for Modern Foreign Languages with Cornwall Adult Education Service who has led several similar courses in Paris.

Anybody who is seriously interested should email Michèle Laouénan giving their name, contact details, a brief description of their job and the reason for applying no later than 15th February 2006.

For more information, download the flier (Word 79 KB)

Language World

Next year's conference and exhibition is happening on 7-8 April 2006 at the University of Manchester and the theme will be Working Together. For more detail on the individual strands go to www.all-languages.org.uk/events.asp

27.09.05

Making it happen - a free CPD session for ACL tutors

This is being organised by Cheshirenetword which is pleased to welcome Steve Spencer of the Learning Trust, a regular speaker at national events, whose wealth of experience in language teaching across all sectors has given him a vast pool of ideas he is happy to share. Go to the Cheshire Netword site for more details.

Human Capital, Adult Skills and Lifelong Learning

15 March 2006, Marriott Hotel Swiss Cottage, 128 Kings Henry's Road, London, NW3 3ST

• Are we still serious about lifelong learning?
• Do we have a strategy to realise the self-sustaining learning society?
• Are we taking sufficient regard of demographic shifts, and the structural changes that are inevitable in the workforce?
• Has the Government got it right?

Speakers at this conference will include Sir Andrew Foster; Nick Isles, Director of Advocacy and Marketing, The Work Foundation; Susan Pember, Director - FE and the Learning and Skills Performance Group, DfES; Chris Hughes, Former Chief Executive of LSDA; Liz Smith, National Officer, The Union Academy and Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE.

To reserve a place on Conference Ref C13-05 visit www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/HumanCapital.htm or contact Gurjit Kaur on Tel: 0116 204 2833.

The FE White Paper and the 2006 Budget: the implications for adult learning

28 March 2006: NATFHE Conference Centre, London WC1X

5 April 2006: NIACE Renaissance House, Leicester LE1

6 April 2006: Skills for Business, Hillsborough, Sheffield

NIACE will be holding three half-day briefing events to coincide with the publication of the FE White Paper and the 2006 Budget to inform delegates of the implications and impact of the White Paper and the budget on adult learning. The White Paper will form the Government's response to the Foster Report, which is the DfES/LSC commissioned review of the future role of further education colleges conducted by Sir Andrew Foster and published last year. Fee: £80 per person per event. To reserve a place online on Conf C13-49-51 visit: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/FEWhitePaper06.htm Enquiries to: Gurjit Kaur on Tel: 0116 204 2833.

16.03.06

Future Role of Colleges and the Effects of Funding Priorities

21 February 2006, Abbey Community Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU. This “Saving Adult Learning” conference, which follows the publication of Eight in Ten, the NIACE-sponsored Committee of Enquiry into Adult Learning in Colleges and of Sir Andrew Foster’s Realising the potential will examine:

• the role of colleges
• the effects of current funding priorities
• the ‘Safeguard’
• the key recommendations of the Committee’s report

It seeks to look at some key questions:

What is the role if the colleges and local authorities in the skill-driven, post-Foster future? Is the Government’s strategy right, or do we need to return to more holistic, more inclusive lifelong-learning approaches? Do we need new typologies for adult learning?

For further information or to reserve a place visit: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/saving.htm

Adult Languages Lessens Lessons

11 February 2006, Leicester Adult Education College, Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HL. An ALL, Comenius Netword and CILT mini-conference for managers and teachers, this free half-day conference will allow delegates the opportunity to analyse and discuss the changing face of provision for language learners in adult education.

Although there is no charge for this event, we ask delegates to register by Friday 3 February by sending an email to Pauline Swanton.

For more information, download the flier (Word 66 KB)

Listening to older learners

This NIACE conference, being held on 2 February will examine the needs of older learners when planning new courses. For more information, go to www.niace.org.uk/conferences/older06.htm

27.09.05

Subject E-learning workshops

The NIACE Subject E-Learning Workshops programme has been developed to raise awareness of the distinctive ways in which e-learning techniques and content can be applied to specific subject areas. A FREE pilot workshop is taking place on Saturday 28 January 2006 at Sheffield Hallam University on four subject areas, namely:

• Family Learning
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESO)
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Making Learning Work for you

For further details click here (Word 58 KB)

Foster, Funding and the Future of Adult Learning

13 January 2006, NIACE Renaissance House, Leicester.
Sir Andrew Foster's report on the future role of FE colleges, published on 15 November, sets out a vision for FE colleges and a clear set of values. It also sets out key recommendations that Sir Andrew believes need to be implemented if that vision is to be realised.

NIACE's seminar on these important issues on January 13 will be of interest to all concerned with adult learning - colleges, local authorities, voluntary organisations, LSC.

Speakers will include Maggie Galliers, Principal of Leicester College, Chris Hughes, Chair of the NIACE-sponsored committee of enquiry into adult learning in colleges, the report of which, 'Eight in Ten', has just been published; Annie White, Principal, Brooksby Melton College; and Donald Rae, Assistant Chief Education Officer, Derbyshire County Council. There will be the latest news on the progress towards the Framework for Achievement, which is so urgently needed.

The programme and application form are available from www.niace.org.uk/conferences/foster.htm

Securing Educational Opportunities for Older People

2 February 2006, Resource Centre, London N7. Older people have been the focus of the Government’s attention as it strives to create coherent and joined-up policies and actions to improve their quality of life. Opportunity Age – meeting the challenges of ageing in 21st Century (March 2005) spelt out the Government’s intentions. Among them is education! Education to enable older people to contribute to the economy for longer and education in retirement as part of an encouragement towards active, healthy and positive ageing. However, many of the educational opportunities from which older people have benefited appear under threat. This event is highly appropriate for all education & training funders, providers and policy makers, people from all the age movements and age representative organisations as well as older learners and older people wishing to engage in learning.

The programme and application form are available from www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/older0206.htm

New Futures, New Funding: Changes to Funding Adult Learning

Friday 2nd December 2005, NIACE, Renaissance House, 20 Princess Road West, leicester LE3 8QW. These are challenging times for adult learning providers dependent on government funding to support learning and skills for those aged 19 to 90.

This conference is supported by the Department for Education and Skills and aims to set out the implications for funding for adult learning from 2006 and beyond; put them in context and explore the potential for retaining and improving a broad curriculum for adults against a backcloth of tightening resources and the drive to achieve high quality. Phil Hope, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, will deliver the keynote address.

The conference is aimed at FE colleges and local authority providers; voluntary and community sector organisations with an interest in government funding and lifelong learning; work based learning suppliers working with adults; organisations and individuals considering future prospects for supplying adult learning or skills; employers; practitioners; policy makers. To reserve a place on-line for seminars Ref C12-92 and to view the programme for the day, visit the NIACE website: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/newfutures.htm

25.10.05

New Futures, New Funding: Changes to Funding Adult Learning

Thursday 27 October 2005, Abbey Community Centre, Westminster, London. These are challenging times for adult learning providers dependent on government funding to support learning and skills for those aged 19 to 90.

This conference is supported by the Department for Education and Skills and aims to set out the implications for funding for adult learning from 2006 and beyond; put them in context and explore the potential for retaining and improving a broad curriculum for adults against a backcloth of tightening resources and the drive to achieve high quality. Phil Hope, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, will deliver the keynote address.

The conference is aimed at FE colleges and local authority providers; voluntary and community sector organisations with an interest in government funding and lifelong learning; work based learning suppliers working with adults; organisations and individuals considering future prospects for supplying adult learning or skills; employers; practitioners; policy makers. To reserve a place on-line for seminars Ref C12-92 and to view the programme for the day, visit the NIACE website: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/newfutures.htm

25.10.05

The Adult Education Show 2006

This popular annual event will be held at Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire on 9 June 2006. Watch these pages for more details of the programme and how to book.

27.09.05

Socrates Grundtvig Seminars

Grundtvig is the name given to the part of the European Union's Socrates programme dealing with adult education. Seminars about participating in the programme are being held in Peterborough on 9 December and in Bristol on 13 December. For more information go to www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/Grundtvig1205.htm

27.09.05

The Language Show

This year's event, supported by CILT, ALL and the Chartered Institute of Linguists, is being held in Olympia, London on 4-6 November. For more detail go to www.thelanguageshow.co.uk

27.09.05

Free language taster at the Open University

As part of the regional Opening Doors project, the Open University in the South East will be running a Languages Day on 9th July in their Regional Centre in East Grinstead, aimed at non-linguist adult learners. The focus of the day will be on taster sessions (face-to-face and online), general language study skills and presentation of the OU Language programme. The event is free. For a flier with details of how to attend, click here (pdf 139 KB)

23/05/05

Adult language learning survey published

CILT has published its first ever survey of adult language learning. For more information click here.

25/05/05

New learning for older people conference

A conference entitled New learning for older people conference: Exploring curriculum for later life in the 21st Century UK is being run by NIACE on Thursday 7 July 2005 at the University of Luton. This conference presents an opportunity to learn more about the latest initiatives from the practitioners who have been working on the various strands, to consider the concept of a New opportunities in Later Life course, to consider feasibility and to work with colleagues on the outlines of programmes delegates may wish to develop in their own localities, and to explore their increasing relevance in today’s climate of demographic change and Government interest in older people. For further information visit the NIACE website: www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/NLOP.htm

Or contact Gurjit Kaur on tel: 0116 204 2833

gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk

18/05/05

CILT's response to QCA consultation on Framework for Achievement

QCA has recently completed a consultation exercise on its proposals for a new Framework for Achievement. CILT's response reflected the concerns of stakeholders and practitioners in adult learning. Issues highlighted included the need for proper recognition of Entry Level qualifications, and the ways in which languages should be integrated into the new Framework as a means of adding value to achievements across the range of subjects and sectors. The full CILT response can be found and downloaded from www.cilt.org.uk/key/index.htm.

23/03/05

The 14-19 White Paper: where now for languages?

Janet Spavin of Loughborough College examines the Government's recent paper on 14-19 education and asks where languages now fit into the new structures. Click here to read Janet's article.

23/03/05

Innovative E-Learning Projects in Adult and Community Learning – A Showcase for TrEACL projects

Thursday 14 April 2005, Bristol/Thursday 21 April 2005, Leeds

The Learning and Skills Council is supporting the development of e-learning across Adult and Community Learning through a wide range of initiatives and processes. This conference showcases and celebrates innovative e-learning projects funded by TrEACL (Technology to enhance learning in ACL). These projects range across the ACL curriculum, include work with a variety of target groups and look at new ways of delivering and supporting learning.

The conference aims to provide extensive networking opportunities and is designed to share the successes and challenges faced by those working to integrate technology into adult learning. There will be a stand and display from each project, and a selection will present further information about their experience in workshops under the following headings:

• Learning Material
• Attracting and Supporting Learners
• Enhancing Learning with ICT
• Connectivity and Learning Opportunities

Attendance is free at the conferences and will be relevant to practitioners delivering adult learning with an interest in e-learning and Managers of ACL, staff and volunteers involved in implementing e-learning initiatives and strategy.

For further information contact Gurjit Kaur on Tel: 0116 204 2833
E-mail: gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk

23/03/05