Lifelong Learning Programme

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basic information

Title of the Project
Deutschmobil
Brief description
DeutschMobil is an innovative educational project promoting the German language and culture to pupils. From key cities across France, German teaching assistants travel out to primary and secondary schools, at the wheel of a van called DeutschMobil. They introduce their language and culture to pupils with entertaining, informative and interactive methods in order to motivate them in learning German (Quiz, games, music etc.). The objective is to reverse the decline in the number of students choosing German as a foreign language, and support French-German relations into the future.
Country
France
Year
2011
Target Language
German
Sector
School Education
Further Information

THE INITIATIVE PROMOTER’S PERSPECTIVE

Background

The information for the Case Study was collected during an interview with Kurt Brenner, member of the board of governance at “Maison de Heidelberg” of Montpellier, France. Kurt Brenner is the representative of the “DeutschMobil” initiative.

The background of the “DeutschMobil” project is represented by a 2001 survey concerning the spread of the German language in France. On the occasion of the European Year of the Languages (2001), the number of French students choosing German as second foreign language after English was very low. In order to increase the interest of French students for the German language, the “DeutschMobil” project started. The project was based on the involvement of several language assistants driving a German car, with the logo of the project, and visiting primary and secondary schools all around France. They introduce their language and culture to pupils with entertaining, informative and interactive methods (quiz, games, music) in order to motivate them in learning German.

The project target group is composed by French pupils at primary and secondary schools.

The project target language is German.

Objectives

The “DeutschMobil” aims to provide a dynamic, interesting and attractive image of the German language, in order to develop the number of French students choosing it as second foreign language after English. In addition, the project offers an innovative pedagogic approach in order to draw up the French students to this significant language.

Approach

The “DeutschMobil” was carried out to promote the learning of German by French students. The usefulness of the project was immediately recognised as it went under the patronage of the German Plenipotentiary for the Cultural Relations with France.

Results

From 2001, 553.700 students have been reached by this initiative. The results are well evident: a 50% increase of inscriptions to German classes after the passage of the “DeutschMobil” cars. In response to those data, the number of cars increased from 4 to 10 and, after the German attention, the initiative went also under the patronage of the French Ministry of Education.

Why the European Language Label?

“Maison de Heidelberg” of Montpellier”, the “DeutschMobil” project promoter, decided to submit the application for the European Language Label in order to support its European dimension.

“We feel part of a multilingual Europe – said Kurt Brenner - and we would like to give our contribution. English cannot be the only spoken language in so a widely diffused area. Our project has a strong European soul, which was confirmed by the award of the European Language Label”. According to this comment, the initial expectations linked to the candidature to the European language Label were completely confirmed.

Activities following the award of the European Language Label

First of all, the logo was used for all the official documents and publications related to the project. Then, the project had a national dissemination thanks to an additional award (“Label des Label”), which was assigned during an official event held in Paris on 3 February 2012 and the participation to a French-German event. In relation to the international dissemination, the project went under the patronage of different German institutions.

Assessment of the Impact of the European Language Label

Obtaining an official recognition for an original initiative and being under the patronage of national institutions: those are, according to Kurt Brenner, the qualitative benefits of the Label. In relation to the quantitative ones, this official recognition allowed the creation of further partnerships which guaranteed the sustainability of the project. In addition, the main idea of “DeutschMobil” was used in other countries for other languages.

Recommendations for future applicants for the ELL

In order to develop a quality project in the field of Language learning, the “Maison de Heidelberg” of Montpellier” advices to focus on the linguistic aspect: students should understand the necessity to know several languages, which represent the best way to penetrate the culture of a nation.

According to the project promoter, it is necessary to link the Label to national and transnational events: this is the best way to exploit this official recognition and to underline the activities carried out by the promoting institution.

THE NELLIP NETWORK’S PERSPECTIVE

Consistency with European Policies in the field of Language Learning

The NELLIP Network selected the “DeutschMobil” project for its consistency with the political priorities of the European Commission in the field of language learning. In particular, the “DeutschMobil” promotes the multilingualism and supports the historical relation between France and Germany. On the other hand, the project enhances the quality of language teaching, focusing on the development of tools for monitoring the progress of the students.

THE NATIONAL AGENCY’S PERSPECTIVE

Motivations

The project was selected as case study and best practice by the French National Agency “Europe-Education-Formation”.

According to the French evaluator, as stated in the “Label des Labels – 10 ans de projets” publication, this is an ambitious and innovative project. Created in 2001, during the last 10 years, it showed great pertinence and effectiveness. In addition, the good quality of its partners can explain the reasons why it can be considered a French best practice. It has also been translated in several languages and adopted in different countries, contributing to a relevant revival of the German language.

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Comments on this Case Studies

Your comments are welcome


Date: 2014.07.02

Posted by Marcello Sanni (Italy)

Message: I honestly think this is a really good way to involve students in learning a second language. It sounds like fun, but educational as well. Moreover pupils are also exposed to another culture, not only to another language and that\'s an extremely valuable thing in education. There should be more initiatives like this one.

Date: 2014.06.30

Posted by Damiano Partescano (Italy)

Message: I read about this project on internet. Then I visited the web site and immediately I got crazy about how interesting it can be learning a new language according to this approach. Music and games can be precious tools when teaching a new language. I hope something similar can be realised in Italy too.

21 December 2014

Audio- video presentation of the NELLIP project

An audio- video presentation of the NELLIP project has been created and made available in the Information section of the NELLIP portal. To access the presentation please click here: http://nellip.pixel-online.org/IF_intro.php.