Teacher Academy MOOC: Embracing Language Diversity in your Classroom by Emiliana Rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021 Learning Diary by Emiliana Rufo | 20th September - 27th October 2021 en-us 2021-09-23 09:09:06 UTC 2025-11-01 22:26:21 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f33a.png The Course emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762476007 2021-09-23 09:13:27 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762476007 emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762477171 2021-09-23 09:14:05 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762477171 Objectives of the course emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762479779 The aim of the “Language-aware teacher” MOOC is to enhance teachers’ awareness about the language competences of their students and how to benefit from them as well as to provide them with different tools and resources to support them to deliver curricular subjects in different languages.

In this MOOC, participants will:

  • Be aware of the importance of teachers’ awareness about the students’ language diversity;
  • Understand and turn language diversity into an asset for their teaching;
  • Learn to empower language teaching with innovative technologies (CLIL, Multilingualism and Translanguaging) and how to apply them in the classroom;
  • Explore freely available online tools and open educational resources for language teaching and learning to integrate in the classroom;
  • Become familiar with Multilingual classroom projects;
  • Learn how to build learning activities using resources for CLIL.

The course will help to develop key skills such as:

  • scaffolding language
  • task design to support communication
  • anticipating problems and selecting tools to support understanding
  • checking learners' understanding
  • providing relevant and personal feedback
]]> 2021-09-23 09:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762479779 Participants' presentations emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762481920 2021-09-23 09:16:42 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762481920 Map of participants emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762482984 2021-09-23 09:17:12 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762482984 Module 1: The Importance of Language Awareness emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762483764 During this module, participants will:

  1. Understand and discuss the importance of language awareness
  2. Become familiar with European Union initiatives that support language learning and language awareness.
  3. Explore the first part of the Learning Scenario (in order to develop your own, at the end of the MOOC)
]]> 2021-09-23 09:17:38 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762483764 1.1 What is language awareness? emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762489608 Definition of language awareness: it is explicit knowledge about language, and conscious perception and sensitivity in language learning, language teaching and language use (Association for Language Awareness). ... some of the underlying concepts behind Language Awareness, as defined by the famous linguist Jim Cummins: BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills), which refers to the language commonly used in social interaction, and CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), referring to more formal language, essentially the language of schooling, which is crucial for students to successfully demonstrate what they have learned and achieved. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing about content in a specific subject area...]]> 2021-09-23 09:20:50 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762489608 My experience of "language awareness" emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762505653 I try to be a language-aware teacher. I teach English as a foreign language (ESL) and in my classes there are some students who come from other parts of the world. It is important to be conscious of their background and culture and I organize some activities to let students share their traditions and customs especially during eTwinning projects. As a language teacher I have to pay attention to the difficulties students may have in learning the subject I teach because they live in a place where they are learning a L2 language and English is the third language they are learning... it could be easy for some of them to switch from a language to another but there would be some students who could find it very hard! ]]> 2021-09-23 09:29:37 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762505653 1.2 Why language awareness is important for teachers emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762507298 Language is a vehicle for learning, regardless of whether students are learning using their first language or any other additional language, so you as a teacher are responsible to make sure that languages in your classroom do not pose a barrier or a challenge for your students’ learning.]]> 2021-09-23 09:30:36 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1762507298 Teachers and language awareness emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773849651 Language is a vehicle for learning, regardless of whether students are learning using their first language or any other additional language, so you as a teacher are responsible to make sure that languages in your classroom do not pose a barrier or a challenge for your students’ learning.

My post:
I teach English in Italy and I help my students learn English (as a third language) by using loans, cognates, similar words and images so they can identify concepts and new vocabulary by developing their cognitive skills and competences. Comparing different languages and using pictures, situations, videos and gestures can help them familiarize with new vocabulary and grammar structures.]]> 2021-09-28 08:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773849651 1.3 How to get started with language awareness emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773868049 "...in a linguistically diverse classroom, your student’s languages are a daily reality on a cognitive, social and affective plane – even if the school rule says they should all only speak the language of schooling and that is the only language that ‘matters’, being aware of students’ language practices strengthens your ability to plan for their learning and to develop a resilient plurilingual classroom community that builds on the reality of students’ lives. Besides, teachers can also open up their classroom practice to allow people to use their home languages..." Nell Foster]]> 2021-09-28 08:12:20 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773868049 1.4 LA as a component of effective communication competence emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773873548 Language awareness is vital for effective language teaching, as well as language ability and linguistic competence. But language awareness is equally important for effective communication to take place between you and your students, regardless of which subject you teach because language awareness will allow you to understand your students' abilities and competences.]]> 2021-09-28 08:15:07 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773873548 emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773874312 My post:
I think knowing more languages help us to understand better other societies, traditions, customs because if we learn new languages or we need to learn new languages we open ourselves to different linguistic schemes and rules. It's a way to accept others with their similarities and differences, it's a step to better know other people. It is a hope and a desire to live in a multicultural world united by the same thoughts and values and knowing different languages can help everyone to communicate in a variety of situations and circumstances... we need to be "language aware"]]> 2021-09-28 08:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773874312 1.5 EDL and other EU initiatives emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773891530 Celebrating the European Day of Languages on 26 September]]> 2021-09-28 08:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773891530 emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773892671 2021-09-28 08:24:19 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773892671 Module 2: Turning Language Diversity into an Asset for your Teaching emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773897569 During this module, participants will:

  1. Learn about language diversity and bilingualism in the classroom
  2. Understand the benefits of multilingual classrooms
  3. Identify a range of strategies for creating a positive classroom environment which embraces language diversity
  4. Identify a range of multilingual activities which can be used in the classroom
  5. Explore the second part of the Learning Scenario in order to develop your own.
]]> 2021-09-28 08:26:22 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1773897569 2.1 Linguistic diversity and bilingualism in the classroom emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785592205 cognitive benefits bilingual students experience]]> 2021-10-02 07:29:29 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785592205 Linguistic diversity and bilingualism emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785592484 2021-10-02 07:29:57 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785592484 2.2 The benefits of embracing linguistic diversity emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785593484 "...if you switch roles with your pupils, which enables them to teach you and to explain themselves. Thus, you give them the chance to develop a sense of ownership and to be at the forefront of their learning process..."]]> 2021-10-02 07:31:44 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785593484 Benefits and challenges emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785593716 2021-10-02 07:32:06 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785593716 2.3 Establishing a classroom environment that embraces linguistic diversity emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785594829 general environment we need to create for our students in the classroom]]> 2021-10-02 07:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785594829 Fully embracing linguistic diversity emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595075 2021-10-02 07:34:05 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595075 2.4 Implementing classroom activities emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595610 "...working in a multilingual classroom means giving control away, giving the students more power to shape their own learning and the type of activities they do..."]]> 2021-10-02 07:34:54 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595610 Implementing classroom activities emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595868 2021-10-02 07:35:14 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785595868 P21's Framework for 21st-Century Learning emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785596443 2021-10-02 07:36:06 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785596443 Module 3: Content and Language Integrated Learning emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785597184 During this module, participants will:

  1. Learn about CLIL and the benefits of using CLIL in the classroom
  2. Discover some examples of CLIL activities they can use in your classroom
  3. Explore different tools and resources for CLIL lessons
]]> 2021-10-02 07:37:17 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1785597184 3.1 What is CLIL? emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789159055 Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an educational approach in which an additional language is used for the learning and teaching of both content and language. 
CLIL means using a foreign or second language as a medium of instruction and learning for primary, secondary and/or vocational-level subjects such as maths, science, art,  and business.
It is important to highlight that a CLIL lesson is not a language class but a subject class taught in a certain language; while students are learning about the subject matter, they are also learning a new language alongside it.]]> 2021-10-04 10:31:43 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789159055 Your experience with CLIL activities emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789160162 2021-10-04 10:32:22 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789160162 3.2 The benefits of including CLIL within school curricula emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789162415 Since language is innately tied to motivation, a CLIL lesson allows students to learn a language without needing teachers to explicitly teach it, which transforms a regular lesson into a richer, motivating and meaningful one. CLIL helps students to develop collaborative competences, as students who are more competent usually help the less competent ones through team activities. Moreover, a CLIL approach does not only focus on language competences and subject delivery but can also help to enhance the development of transversal skills such as creativity, critical thinking or communicative skills.]]> 2021-10-04 10:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789162415 Potential difficulties and challenges of a CLIL approach emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789163093 2021-10-04 10:34:02 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789163093 3.3 Implementing CLIL activities emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789165304 In a CLIL lesson, all four language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) should be addressed in addition to the knowledge and skills the subject-part of the lesson needs to cover, meaning a CLIL lesson usually incorporates a wide range of tasks and activities.
CLIL lessons and to ensure a wide range of skills and knowledge are covered you can use Professor Coyle’s 4C model:]]> 2021-10-04 10:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789165304 CLIL activity to do with your students emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789166188 2021-10-04 10:35:47 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789166188 3.4 Technology tools for CLIL and other resources emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789167366 ...the use of videos, web tools, apps, multimedia and other digital features can enhance the students' motivation but also contribute to better learning outcomes for both language and content.]]> 2021-10-04 10:36:28 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789167366 Tech Tips for a CLIL Lesson emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789168248 2021-10-04 10:36:56 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789168248 List of resources and tools for CLIL emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789169784 My Post on this Padlet:
I use and I have been using a lot of apps and sites to create digital products (presentations, videos and online activities for my students). I am Genially Ambassador in Italy so I use Genially to create presentations, escape rooms, interactive content and games. I am Adobe Creative Educator so I use Adobe Spark to create videos and presentations. I am eTwinning Ambassador, using apps and digital innovations in eTwinning Projects is one of the criteria to have Quality Labels. Biteable, Powtoon, Wordwall, LearningApps, Kahoot, Mindomo are also my favourite online tools. Here is a list of tools I use to create my lessons:
https://emilianarufo.wordpress.com/apps-e-siti-didattici/ ]]> 2021-10-04 10:37:45 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789169784 3.5 Examples of CLIL activities in the classroom emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789171008 2021-10-04 10:38:24 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789171008 3.6 Beyond CLIL: focus on the Pluriliteracies? emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789172706 Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning is a pedagogic approach that promotes deeper learning and the development of transferable 21st-century knowledge and skills such as critical & creative thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and responsibility. The model is based on the idea that deeper learning and the development of transferable knowledge do not happen separately from learning academic content.]]> 2021-10-04 10:39:23 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789172706 A pilot project is being carried out in Italy ... emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789173508 2021-10-04 10:39:52 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789173508 Module 4: emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789175519 During this module, participants will:

  1. Explore multilingual classroom project activities
  2. Learn about the European Language Label
  3. Learn about eTwinning
  4. Share their practices with peers
  5. Reflect on their learning during the course
]]> 2021-10-04 10:41:04 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1789175519 4.1 The language passport emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810100252 The language passport, which was initially developed as a research tool by the Centre for Diversity and Learning at Ghent University, is a kind of mind map that invites and challenges pupils to visualise their linguistic repertoire. The language passport was developed as part of a project exploring multilingual reality in schools, and was identified as a useful starting point for teachers who are keen to integrate their pupils' home languages into their classroom practice.]]> 2021-10-12 08:43:38 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810100252 emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810106603 2021-10-12 08:47:08 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810106603 Your own Language Passport emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810107561 2021-10-12 08:47:37 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810107561 4.2 The multilingual dictionary emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810108544 The creation of a multilingual dictionary is a powerful activity that teachers working in multilingual classrooms can easily implement with their students. As you will have seen in the video, the multilingual dictionary not only helps the recently arrived students to learn the language of schooling, but it also empowers the learning of many other languages in the classroom. Besides, this activity enhances critical thinking, teamwork, and interaction among the students. I]]> 2021-10-12 08:48:09 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810108544 Home languages in the classroom emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810109791 2021-10-12 08:48:48 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810109791 4.3 eTwinning projects emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810134216 eTwinning is the place to organise such projects. While the eTwinning network is not specifically focused on language diversity projects, its focus on collaborative projects between classrooms in different countries across Europe and beyond means the network lends itself especially well to organising projects linked to the areas of language awareness, language diversity, and language learning.]]> 2021-10-12 09:00:48 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810134216 4.4 The European Language Label emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810135707 This is an award that encourages new initiatives in the field of language teaching and learning, recognises new techniques in language teaching, and spreads the knowledge of certain languages' existence, thereby promoting good practice. Every year, the label is awarded annually or biannually to the most innovative language learning project in each country participating in the scheme. The label can also be awarded to individuals who have made the most progress in foreign language learning, and the best language teacher.

More info:
https://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/multilingualism/european-language-initiatives_en

]]> 2021-10-12 09:01:39 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810135707 My Learning Scenario emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810144532 Hello!

I am Emiliana, I teach English as a Foreign Language in a Secondary School in Rome. I've been teaching English for 20 years. I'm specialized in developing ICT in the classroom.

Here is a CLIL lesson to involve students from different countries to know and accept their own and other classmates countries of origin.

Here is the link to my Learning Design:

https://v.gd/9YTnkK

Here is the link to my Learning Diary of this course:

https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021

Here is the link to my website to know me better:

https://emilianarufo.wordpress.com/

If you are an eTwinner send me your contact request in eTwinning Live, I am eTwinning Ambassador in Italy. Here is the link to my profile:

https://live.etwinning.net/profile/523907

Thank you for your feedback.

Emiliana Rufo

]]> 2021-10-12 09:06:47 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1810144532 My Certificate emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1868294177 2021-11-04 19:15:50 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1868294177 My Badge emiliana_rufo https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1868294858 2021-11-04 19:16:16 UTC https://padlet.com/emiliana_rufo/embracing_language_diversity2021/wish/1868294858