LEARNING ZONE - new approaches to language courses for migrants and refugees

Aims of the tool

The main objective of the Guidebook and adjacent online course MOOC is to provide teachers, trainers, educators, psychologists, volunteers, etc. with ideas, methodological approaches, practices and pedagogical-educational tools that are useful to integrate the dimension of non-formal and informal learning in language teaching. Through the Guidebook and MOOC, the ultimate aim is to support migrants as they seek to integrate themselves into their host society.

Description of the tool

The Guidebook "Learning Zone - new approaches to language courses for migrants and refugees" is developed on 6 chapters, associated to 6 training modules:

1. DIVERSITY IN THE GROUP OF LEARNERS is dedicated to the diversity that can be found within the group of ‘adult migrant learners’ and includes strategies useful in identifying and understanding this plurality. The chapter also contains methods that help to determine the specific learning needs of the learners.

2. ADULT AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION is dedicated to 'non-formal' education and its connection to adult education. It gives a general overview of the main principles and approaches that can be used when working with adult migrants and refugees and explores the role of ‘facilitator' along with learner-centred approaches.

3. FACILITATING A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT explores how to create a safe learning environment that supports and motivates the acquisition of the new language along with the development of intercultural competences. It also covers strategies that specifically focus on motivation and learning.

4. TACKLING INTERCULTURALITY goes deeply into the concept of 'intercultural learning' and explores several theories for reflection. It also gives some useful practical tips on how to accompany learners to develop this competency.

5. FACILITATING LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE IMMERSIVE CONTEXT draws the differences between teaching foreign language and teaching the language of the host society. It provides references to methodologies and approaches of languages teaching, and advices on the opportunities given by teaching/learning a language in an immersive context.

6. BECOMING ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY is dedicated to providing suggestions and ideas to facilitators on how learners can get active their new communities. These new environments can themselves be used as a major source of language development and integration for the migrants and refugees.

Each chapter opens with the learning objectives and ends with questions for reflection. The Guidebook concludes with a short glossary of terms along with a bibliography. It is conceived in a way that enables facilitators to integrate new ideas into their current practice with migrants and it also gives access to other materials available for further learning. Also, at the end of the Guidebook, several practical exercises can be found that can be used in the classroom.

The Guidebook Learning Zone comes along with the Learning Zone MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE MOOC. Check the attached Brochure Learning Zone MOOC to enroll to the Learning Zone MOOC!

The course is completely free and can be accessed at any time during the period between October 22nd and December 10th 2018.
The course contents are in English, with support materials in Italian, French and Spanish, to facilitate broad access and broad participation.
For the realization of the practical tasks of each module the participants will receive 1 Learning Badge. Once all 6 Learning Badges have been acquired, participants will receive a course certificate.