Jane Renton, HMIe Modern Languages for Scotland, says in a Scotland on Sunday article that schools should be discussing foreign language films and stars such as Audrey Tautou instead of relying on textbooks to teach pupils how to speak other languages properly.

Read the full article:

SCHOOLS should be discussing foreign language films and stars such as Audrey Tautou instead of relying on textbooks to teach pupils how to speak other languages properly, according to a leading schools inspector.

Jane Renton claims pupils would be less likely to drop French, German, Spanish or Russian if they were not “spoon-fed” a curriculum of basic words and grammar but discussed popular European culture instead. Such a change in learning would encourage teenagers to continue their studies on to Higher grades, eventually allowing them to speak a second language “in proper sentences”, rather than being able to do little more than order coffee or ask directions to the beach.

Renton, the chief languages inspector for schools watchdog HMIE (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education), says unless more interesting content and better teaching methods are used to develop practical abilities Scotland will fail to overcome its “monolingualism“.

Her comments received the backing of teaching unions and opposition parties last night, who said a failure to improve language skills would harm the Scottish economy.

Renton said: “If we are going to increase uptake and cure our monolingualism then we need to get children interested in what they are actually learning. They should be learning about what is happening in the real world instead of asking for directions or ordering coffee.”

Renton recently inspected a school where a group of S3 boys were learning French by discussing Amelie, the Hollywood hit set in Paris which starred Tautou, during a class. Other good examples included film-making in foreign languages and senior pupils staging a German play. Renton said: “The pupils were far better motivated because it was interesting and they could relate to what they were learning.”

Teaching of all subjects is facing massive change in 2008 under the Scottish Executive’s “Curriculum For Excellence” review. Ministers’ stated intention is to “de-clutter” the curriculum, allowing pupils to learn subjects in greater depth and ensure smoother progression between primary and secondary school.

Bill McGregor, general secretary of the Headteachers Association of Scotland agreed that modern languages teaching needed a shake-up. He said: “The textbook and blackboard approach is a bit old hat. Pupils should be discussing foreign culture and using new technology to broaden their ability.”

Fiona Hyslop, the SNP’s education spokeswoman, added: “We need a step change in modern languages teaching.”

Check out the MFLE’s Cinema and media section for interesting ways to introduce world culture to your students, including watching foreign-language DVDs.

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