Incorporate Non- Formal Methods into Language Education for Adult Immigrants Erasmus Project

Project Title

Incorporate Non- Formal Methods into Language Education for Adult Immigrants

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for adult education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Teaching and learning of foreign languages; New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills

Project Summary

The current project is an attempt to incorporate non-formal learning methods into the language teaching of adult immigrants. The lack of immigrants / refugees’ communication capacity in the host country’s language is a key reason for their isolation and an obstacle to their successful integration into the host country. The partnership organizations are active in the field and their experience has shown that when the teaching is based on only one particular textbook and is performed exclusively by traditional and teacher centered methods is less effective. Non-formal learning can, on the other hand, offer a more innovative and participative learning process that can simultaneously develop a variety of apprentices’ skills and competences.
In this context, the project was implemented and succeeded in achieving the following objectives:

1) Explored through the various activities (workshops, focus groups, meetings and research) the dynamics of non-formal learning in adult learning, and more specifically in language learning.
2) Promoted the peer learning among educators in formal and non-formal education, offering them many opportunities to meet, exchange views, ideas and reflections.
3) Resulted in 30 practical teaching activities based on non-formal learning methods that can be integrated into language teaching for migrants and in a complete booklet on the topic.
4) Enhanced and will continue to strengthen the capacities of individuals who are active or who wish to be active in language learning as a second language for immigrants on the implementation of non-formal learning activities. The goal was achieved through the creation and free dissemination of the booklet as well as the training seminars that were held later.
5) The changes that will incur in the teaching process through the application of the booklet’s content will make the latter in the long run more attractive to the learners and will enrich it with participatory and innovative activities.
6) Increased people’s trust for the non-formal learning methods and their effectiveness.

The ultimate goal of the project is to improve the sector and better serve the linguistic needs of immigrants that will decisively contribute to their personal development and social integration.

During the project a booklet was created that includes original activities based on non-formal learning methods and information on the principles, the character and dynamics of non-formal learning methods as well as rich material for the learning needs and learning profile of adult immigrants. For its creation, various activities such as focus groups, workshops and meetings with educational bodies were held and managed to directly involve the target group in the creation of the booklet. A research, an examination of the above activities’ conclusions and the final drafting of the booklet by the working group followed. Booklet’s presentation sessions as well as training sessions for its proper use were also held.
The project implementation was undertaken by 3 organizations from Greece, Spain and Cyprus experienced in language teaching of immigrants / refugees, adult education and non-formal education.

The project’s methodology has been based on three main focal points: ongoing dialogue and exchange of information between the working groups, cooperative learning and active participation of the target group in all the activities. The project’s implementation was facilitated by its separation into interconnected working packages, requiring the active involvement of all the partners. Non-formal learning methods were applied to all the activities, (training seminars, focus groups, workshops and multiplier events).

The main results of the proposed project is the booklet, the enhanced skills of adult educators and institutions working in the field, increased understanding and cooperation between educators in formal and non-formal education and the more positive attitudes towards non-formal learning methods. These in long term will lead to improvements in adult linguistic learning sector that will be more capable to meet immigrants’ language needs and to create favorable learning conditions for adult immigrants. These will significantly enhance the integration process of this particular social group in society and will help them to improve their everyday life.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 48410 Eur

Project Coordinator

N.G.O. CIVIS PLUS & Country: EL

Project Partners

• PANCYPRIOS POLITISTIKOS KAI EKPEDEFTIKOS SYNDESMOS “EVROPOLITISMOS”
• Neo Sapiens S.L.U.