Ateneo - UPO

The workshop introduces students to the main research methodologies employed in the field of second language teaching and provides the tools necessary to design, implement, and monitor interventions in different contexts. Activities include both classroom sessions and participation in educational experiments carried out in collaboration with local schools. The workshop is intended for students interested in teaching or in educational research.

Guided readings: Willis J. (1996),A framework for task-based learning, London, Longman. Nunan (1989), Designing tasks for the communicative classroom, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Bonvino et. al (2023), Agire in L2. Processi e strumenti nella linguistica educatica, Hoepli. Bartolini Bussi M.G. & Ramploud A. (2018), Il lesson study per la formazione degli insegnanti, Roma, Carocci. Consiglio d’Europa (2002 [2001]), Quadro Comune Europeo di Riferimento per le Lingue: apprendimento, insegnamento, valutazione, Firenze, La Nuova Italia. Council of Europe (2018), Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment. Companion volume with new descriptors, Strasbourg, Council of Europe. https://rm.coe.int/cefr-companion-volume-with-new-descriptors-2018/1680787989.

The workshop provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation for understanding and applying the main research methodologies in the field of language education. It aims to develop operational and reflective competences for the design, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and training interventions based on empirical data, with particular attention to the school context and to language teaching. Activities include both classroom sessions and participation in educational experiments planned in collaboration with local schools. Learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding: Acquire knowledge of the main educational research methodologies applicable to language teaching; Understand the theoretical foundations of action research, educational documentation, and classroom experimentation models Applying knowledge and understanding: Design, implement, and monitor an educational experiment in a school context; Collect, organise, and analyse empirical data; Produce a well-structured research report consistent with the intended learning objectives Making judgements: Develop the ability to critically analyse educational contexts, teaching materials, research documents, and instructional pathways; Evaluate the methodological coherence and effectiveness of teaching interventions with a reflective and professional development perspective Communication skills: Present the contents and results of an educational research project with clarity and methodological rigour, using appropriate scientific language and effective communication tools; Demonstrate the ability to interact in digital and collaborative contexts, both academic and professional, also by means of shared documentation tools Learning skills: Develop a reflective and critical attitude towards educational research and teaching practices; Deepen autonomously specific methodological issues, making informed use of the tools and references acquired during the course

It is preferable to have attended at least one course in Language Teaching. When needed, specific supplementary materials will be made available through the DIR platform.

The workshop includes lectures, group activities, simulations, case studies, and didactic design workshops, supported by the DIR platform. Particular attention is devoted to collaborative project work, peer reflection, and the digital documentation of experiments. Students will be involved in action-research activities and guided design tasks, also in collaboration with local schools, with the aim of integrating theory and practice. All teaching activities are inspired by principles of inclusiveness and gender equality and are designed to foster the active participation of all students, valuing diversity in terms of gender, linguistic background, and learning styles. The systematic use of digital tools and online collaborative environments will support cooperative work, educational dialogue, and the reflective development of professional competences.

Due to its practical nature, attendance is required. Students are invited to register for the workshop on the DIR platform.

Educational research project (research report). The final exam consists of the design, implementation, and evaluation of an educational intervention in a school context dedicated to the teaching of a foreign language or Italian as a second language, followed by the preparation of a research report and its discussion in a dedicated seminar. A successful exam will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered, analytical and synthesis skills, good expressive abilities, as well as the ability to analyse and re-elaborate the issues addressed. An exam will be considered insufficient if it reveals major gaps in knowledge, inappropriate language, inability to contextualise, or lack of orientation within the programme.

The workshop provides a theoretical and practical foundation for designing, conducting, and documenting research in the field of education, with a particular focus on language teaching. Starting from real classroom experimentation experiences, students will develop practical competences in the observation of educational contexts, the collection and analysis of data, methodological reflection, and the design of teaching interventions based on empirical evidence. Activities include both classroom sessions and participation in action-research projects and educational experiments carried out in collaboration with local schools. The course emphasises the role of the teacher as a reflective professional and as a promoter of teaching innovation, and encourages the comparison between theories, practices, and research tools. Main topics: - Educational research and the role of the teacher-researcher - Teacher training and self-training in language education - Lesson Study and collaborative experimentation practices - Designing a teaching module in a foreign language - Lesson planning: methods and tools - Input and output in TBLT - Teacher talk in TBLT - Educational documentation

At the end of the workshop, students will be able to: Knowledge and understanding: Know the main educational research methodologies applicable to language teaching; Understand the theoretical foundations of action research and educational experimentation models; Applying knowledge and understanding; Design, implement, and evaluate an educational experiment in a school context; Collect, organise, and analyse empirical data; Produce a coherent and well-structured research report Making judgements: Develop the ability to critically analyse educational contexts, teaching materials, scientific articles, and teaching pathways; Evaluate the methodological coherence of experimental activities in relation to the intended learning objectives Communication skills: Present the contents, methods, and results of research clearly, rigorously, and with appropriate terminology; Communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts, also through the written production of reports and their discussion in a seminar setting Learning skills: Independently explore topics related to educational research; Develop methodological awareness; Refine competences in documenting and reflecting on teaching practices