cohesion - European Centre for Modern Languages

Another project, GroupLead, looks in more detail at the role of facilitation in teacher
education. It is also action-based with proposals for different kinds of activities. In the
Tasters these activities were presented at the conference. For example, participants
looked at the way controversial statements can act as a trigger for discussion. One of
the statements we looked at was: “Silent members of a group should be allowed to stay
silent – some people learn best by observing”. Another activity tried out was sharing
interpretations of key quotations. Pairs, small groups, and the whole group considered
the quote: “Conversation leaders can marshal a group through the shallows of trivia,
the rapids of argumentation, or the clouds of abstraction”. The project CD includes key
quotations, articles, checklists, stories and activities, which provide both a practical kit
for those acting as facilitators, and materials for teacher education activities.
QualiTraining is a guide for implementing approaches to developing quality in
language education, dealing with basic concepts of quality – indicators, standards and
benchmarks – and how they can be applied to language teaching. There is reflective
work on how a quality culture can be developed, and on the role of leadership in
achieving this. The practical aspects of quality management are covered in chapters on
systems, processes and instruments to be used and with input on the assessment and
validation of quality. The approach stimulates discussion and reflection on how the
principles and methods can be applied in the reader’s own environment and the book is
complemented by a CD-Rom with a rich range of information on the topic.
To conclude, this strand of the ECML’s 2004-2007 programme has created reference
tools, practical guides and food for thought which can contribute significantly to the
implementation of the Council of Europe’s work on language education.
63