El patio de Babel

Topic(s) addressed

The topics addressed were: 

• Creativity - the impact of spaces and architecture on learning 

• Quality improvement methods

Target groups

300 upper secondary school students aged 15 to 18 years old were involved in the project.

Methodologies

This project offered a new methodology to increase motivation for language learning:

• It brought foreign languages to a patio where all students can express themselves freely, are not scared to make mistakes, help others in language learning and become curious about languages. 

• The patio was also the community’s creation, “de Babel”, where you can discover different cultures, mainly through artistic activities. 

• During the duration of the project, students used many different IT tools: eTwinning, Jamboard, Padlet, recording of a radio podcast 

• Each student took an active part in all activities and commented on productions made by others enhancing their sense of active citizenship and their involvement in the project

Environments

• The creative use of spaces at school with the setting up of the patio as a new learning and communication space is really innovative. 

• There was a lot of collaboration with local organizations, artists and a refugee centre (to raise students’ awareness of the issue).  

Teachers

• The impressive level of creativity and involvement from the teachers demonstrated by the number of activities and their diversity 

• Successful collaboration between teachers of different subjects (philosophy, French, history,…) and the students’ parents.

Impact

• A direct impact on the students who felt confident in their ability to learn a language and express themselves. 

• The students became curious about languages and other cultures and broadened their perspectives thanks to the meetings with external actors. 

• They also developed many IT skills. 

• There has been efficient dissemination of the results at the school but also to a wider audience. 

• Finally, the impact was also noticed on the local community level with discussions at the centre for refugees and creation of games & activities for a retirement home among other things.