Institute for Holistic Learning Based on Montessori Education

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29 Finder, Gunthilde; Ebner-Thaller, Anneliese - Austria - gundi_finder@gmx.at
International Communication Skills in Business: A novel approach to language education used in the
classroom
The workshop is run by two language trainers who work at HLW Fohnsdorf in Southern Austria. This is a vocational
school, at Upper Secondary level, which is pioneering a unique method of multilingual language teaching <strong>for</strong> business
and <strong>for</strong> tourism.
The classes are run in two languages simultaneously: English & French, and English & Italian
The workshop describes the school, with its emphasis on a teaching module called "International Communication
Skills <strong>for</strong> Business", which is part of the curriculum. This module provides a multilingual focus to language teaching in a
business-related setting using a task-based approach.
It raises the student's awareness of a multi-cultural society and enhances the development of personal and social
skills. It underlines language training as a tool of self-development and self-exploration and strengthens the development
of strategies <strong>for</strong> life-long learning. At the same time it prepares Austrian students <strong>for</strong> the international labour
market, facilitating the transition between school and business.
The school is an internationally recognized centre of business excellence where language projects <strong>for</strong>m an important
part of its activities as a "virtual enterprise". Follow-up projects with local Austrian institutions and companies are
introduced showing the close co-operation between school and the world of work The presentation highlights the
importance of computer-based tuition and e-learning. It introduces "Promotics" and "Tick Tack " - the languagelearning
software which offers 15 different programs, covering 50 languages. This innovative training concept
strengthens the development of lifelong learning strategies, enhances the learners´ and trainers´ mobility, redefines the
learners´ and teachers´ roles and integrates career guidance as part of the learning process.
30 Frey, Karl - Germany - karl.frey@t-online.de
Online <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>for</strong> TVET in Arabian Countries - a Feasibility Study
As an outcome of the Egyptian-German Mubarak-Kohl-Initiative (MKI) an 'Arab-<strong>Institute</strong> <strong>for</strong> TVET – and Labour Market
Research and Development' (ARABVOC) is suggested. The idea was introduced first time during the MENA – TVET
symposium in October, 2002 in Cairo.
The institute is conceived as a virtual coordination and support facility without an own costly research infrastructure
and it corresponds politically, socially and economically with the needs of the region. TVET-research and capacity
building in the region, <strong>for</strong> the region and by the region are priority tasks. Existing R&D-capacities will be there<strong>for</strong>e
combined efficiently and improved if necessary.
A main feature of the ARABVOC is the active networking between the private sector, sciences, politics and TVETapplication.
There<strong>for</strong>e the gradual process of development is planned as a step by step course by conducting
demand-oriented research activities. Four main work areas seem most suitable:
1. TVET research
2. Youth and society
3. Labour market analytics and
4. Technology transfer.
The institute will cooperate closely with the regional programs of the GTZ and others. Because of the virtual set-up of
the institute, the partner contributions <strong>for</strong> hosting etc. and the use of free CMS-Programs, the operational costs will be
comparably at low level. An annual symposium of the member countries will decide on the research projects <strong>for</strong> the
next year, based on a regional needs matrix. A customised feasibility study is conducted currently.