Today, language proficiency is not only a prerequisite to get access to the labour market, but is a skill that can enhance people’s quality of life and their relationship with others.
In September each year two very important events are celebrated: the International Literacy Day and the European Day of Languages, on the 8th and 26th September, respectively.
Both international days encourage people to reflect on the importance of being able to read and write in one’s own mother tongue and in many other foreign languages, believing this competence as part of human rights and as an essential means to tackle serious global problems, such as poverty, violation of human rights and the failure to achieve gender equality.
Literacy skills enhance a better access to the labour market, health conditions and wellness and participation in democratic life, and promote a more informed decision-making process.
Knowing more languages can only expand opportunities and further contribute to the quality of life of individuals and society at large. Furthermore, the knowledge of multiple languages is highly encouraged by the EU, in light of all the multiple connections that our contemporary world enhance among people and the need to enrich intercultural understanding.
September is, therefore, the ideal month to discuss about the current gender gap in literacy learning affecting young boys. This is an opportunity to consider how to provide more inclusive and challenging learning opportunities and encourage boys to improve their language skills.
In the framework of BoysLingo, on 22nd and 26th September, from 5 pm to 6.30 pm, two online meetings will be held, involving teachers and educators of primary and lower secondary schools, to reflect together on the gender gap in language learning. During the meetings an attempt will be made to identify the main difficulties in language teaching (Italian and English) and the first of the project’s results, namely the BoysLingo Handbook and Best Practices, will be presented. The latter documents are useful for those who would like to integrate elements of mobile learning and gamification approaches into their daily teaching practice. Indeed, according to research, these approaches seem to promote greater interest in language learning activities, particularly reading, and more active participation in the classroom. At the end of the meeting, people will be able to evaluate the results of the project and share their experiences, which will then be used to shape the content of future BoysLingo resources.
If you are a teacher (already in service or in training) and wish to take part in one of these meeting, please register by filling out the form below and choose the date you prefer.
Follow us so you don’t miss upcoming updates on the project! Visit https://boyslingo.eu/ and contact Alice Schirosa: alice.schirosa@cesie.org.
About the project
BoysLingo – Enhancement of boys’ language skills through gamified mobile learning is financed by DG EAC, Erasmus+ Programme, KA220-SCH – Cooperation partnerships in school education.
Partners
- Sysco Polska Sp. zo.o. (Poland, coordinator)
- Neophytos Ch. Charalambous (Cyprus)
- 1st Primary School of Rafina (Greece)
- CESIE (Italy)
- CARDET – Centre For Advancement Of Research And Development In Educational Technology Ltd (Cyprus)
- Eurospeak Limited (Ireland)
For further information
Read more about BoysLingo, visit the website https://boyslingo.eu/ or follow us on Facebook.
Contact Alice Schirosa: alice.schirosa@cesie.org.
