European award for language project

A University of Wolverhampton project to help people learn a new language has won a European award.

The I Spy project is developing a website to enable interaction between learners from different countries who will work together to learn a new language via problem-solving challenges and tasks.

It has been awarded the European Language Label, which recognises innovative projects in language teaching and learning.

The project aims to help people learn general and vocational phrases for use in both formal and informal situations. It is led by Language Networks for Excellence at the University with partners in Europe, and the team in Romania has been awarded the European Label.

Tony Shannon-Little, ISPY project manager, said: “The ISPY platform engages learners in language practice activities on an espionage theme, raising their interest not only in language learning but in exploring cultural topics, which will stimulate them to contribute to forum activities with learners in other countries. The European Label is a pleasing recognition of the platform’s attractiveness.”

The real-time website is aimed at secondary school pupils and learners in both general and vocational education and training, who will trial the new resources alongside teachers and trainers. It is hoped guidelines will be developed as part of the project to support teacher training.

Partners in the project include organisations in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Romania.

The European Label is an award that encourages new initiatives in the field of teaching and learning languages, rewarding new techniques in language teaching, spreading the knowledge of their existence and thereby promoting good practice.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736