Source:
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/languages/news/nw0000000548.asp
_________________________________________________________
NUFFIELD LANGUAGES PROGRAMME
Launch of a new report: A new landscape for languages
A new report has been published by the Nuffield Languages Programme. It
examines the far-reaching changes taking place in languages in Higher
Education and their implications for schools and colleges.
On Wednesday 19 February 2003, Professor Mike Kelly presented a new
report commissioned by the Nuffield Languages Programme. Written by
Professor Kelly and Dr Diana Jones of the University of Southampton,
the report examines the new landscape for languages emerging from
recent trends in post-16 education in the UK.
In May 2000 the Nuffield Inquiry drew attention to the far-reaching
changes taking place in languages provision in Higher Education in the
UK. This new report shows that the trends identified by the Inquiry
have since accelerated.
That is important in itself, but the consequences extend well beyond
Higher Education. The changes in provision in universities will affect
the decisions being made by young people in schools and colleges.
Conversely, changes at the 14-19 level will affect the courses and
training offered by the universities. Both will have profound long term
effects, not least on the future supply of language teachers.
One of the key themes of the Nuffield Inquiry was its exploration of
the interdependence of developments in the various sectors of education
and the consequences for the world beyond education. It was in this
context that Professor Kelly was commissioned to investigate the
changes taking place in Higher Education and to explore their
implications for the HE sector and for schools and colleges.
As the report makes clear, the changes present both threats and
opportunities, all of which must be thoroughly considered and debated.
The government has recently launched its strategy for languages in the
UK. The success of the strategy will depend on what happens at these
crucial stages of education and we hope that the publication of this
report will make a timely contribution to the debate.
The Steering Group of the Languages Programme would like to thank
Professor Kelly and Dr Diana Jones for their work. We also appreciate
the involvement of the many people who have in various ways contributed
to the writing of this report.
DOWNLOAD
A new landscape for languages
File format: PDF
File size: 2.3 MB
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/filelibrary/pdf/languages_report_48pp_
hires.pdf
The report is available in full from this site. Click on the link above
to download A new Landscape for Languages.
If you would like a printed copy of the report, please e-mail us at
[log in to unmask]
To view the report in Adobe PDF format, you may need a copy of Adobe
Reader. This can be downloaded free of charge from www.adobe.com
|