Innovation in Language Learning

Our paper explores solutions to improve English learning among students who transition from elementary to middle school. It is part of a research project initiated at the Institute for Educational Sciences in Bucharest, Romania in the summer of 2017 that aims at promoting innovative practices. It comprises: an analysis of the new curriculum, the design of learning activities and resources that enhance meaningful learning, the discussion of these innovative tasks within a community of practice, the implementation in two target groups (from rural and urban schools), the interpretation of the results. The research benefits from the participation of a group of young committed practitioners who teach in a variety of schools: rural disadvantaged community with students at risk, rural in the proximity of the capital, urban in an average and well off neighbourhood, urban in a multicultural community (Romanian, Hungarian and Roma). Two of these teachers are involved in the actual school implementation while the rest of the group participate in the online discussion and sharing of the experiences. The research design offers a framework of film-based project work that give students opportunities to practice English within engaging contexts. The films are entertaining, rich in positive values and with plenty of pretexts to use and improve English. Students get involved in a search of meaning, discuss characters and events, work in group projects related to the film topic and present their ‘product’. As of the end of May, the two target groups worked on Zootopia (how to adjust to a new place); The Good Dinosaur (how to succeed in harsh circumstances: “You can do it”), Cinderella (magic, colours and words of wisdom!), Waterhorse (how to deal with unexpected events and friendship), Pete’s Dragon (how to reinvent a story or a dragon!), Wonder (everybody deserves a standing ovation!). The students are currently having meaningful revision and final assessment with the story of Winter (Dolphin Tale). The results are very promising: a lovely atmosphere, students’engagement, good quality projects and, last but not least, improved English!

Keywords: Meaningful learning, creativity, collaboration, English through films, project work, super simple stories;