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From March 14th to 19th, Plácida Lobato Rodríguez took part in the Erasmus+ Teacher Refresher Course held in Cork, Ireland.
The course aimed to provide practical training in language teaching methodology, techniques, and the adaptation and use of language teaching materials.
You can access to the official full report of the activities and learning outcomes by clicking here
Otherwise, we present you below a general overview of the course
Throughout the course, the following key areas were addressed:
CLIL Methodology (Content and Language Integrated Learning): A core theme throughout the week, focusing on engaging students through meaningful content, promoting autonomy, creativity, and goal-setting in their learning environments.
Motivation: A shared concern among participants was student disengagement. The course emphasized making students active participants rather than passive "passengers" in learning. Strategies included personalized learning, promoting student goals, using feedback, and incorporating games and interactive tools.
Learner Background: Understanding the differences between first and second language acquisition. Focus on celebrating achievements, allowing a silent period, and emphasizing content over minor errors.
The 4 Cs of CLIL:
Content – subject knowledge
Communication – language use
Cognition – critical thinking
Culture – intercultural awareness
Psychological Needs & Motivation (Self-Determination Theory): Supporting student autonomy, competence, and relatedness to foster motivation and engagement.
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: Encouraged as a collaborative learning tool rather than a threat. AI can support learning through tasks like identifying errors or facilitating reflection.
Global Citizenship: A final reflection on being a global citizen—highlighting empathy, equity, and respect for cultural diversity. Participants used Mentimeter to share associated values.
To effectively apply this methodology, a wide range of classroom activities were carried out during the course, including some designed and led by the course participants.
As part of the Erasmus+ program, cultural activities and experiences such as city tours and visits to Cobh and Kinsale promoted intercultural understanding and enriched the educational experience.
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