Innovation in Language Learning

The article focuses on the process of writing the language learning materials created as part of the Glottodrama European project in which EuroEd Foundation participated. The Glottodrama is a very flexible methodology which combines drama as well as foreign language learning techniques and requires the presence of two teachers (drama and language) in order to achieve real communication situations in the classroom. The target group was a group of international students studying at the School of medicine in Iasi and learning Romanian as a foreign language. Video films were used as useful tools of reflection, error correction and stimulus for material writing. Students were actively engaged in the learning process and were encouraged to improvise and reflect on their own personal contributions and knowledge.

The materials and texts (the Teaching Units) used during the course were first written by the two teachers, who took into consideration the students’ field of interest (medicine), linguistic difficulty and attractiveness of the story. Once the initial teaching unit was launched into the class the students were encouraged to improve it, which resulted in a new version of the teaching unit: the Satellite Teaching Unit. A Satellite Teaching Unit is based on the initial teaching unit/ the initial plan devised by teachers; it is what happens with the teaching unit in the class when the teachers interact with the students. It is the plan in action carried out by students and teachers and changed in order to achieve the objectives according to the real situation in class. The project allowed students to be empowered in the learning process. It provided each student a learning experience that met their personal needs. Contributing to the texts empowered students to demonstrate and share knowledge, deepening their own understanding. Students were given a voice in the learning environment. They were able to build up knowledge by working together with their teachers. This created a powerful learning community that fostered the success of the project.