Language researchers at the University of Cardiff have published a report on a languages mentoring initiative aimed at encouraging secondary school students to take up modern languages.

The targeted mentoring involved University modern languages students working with year nine pupils, incorporating online mentoring to stimulate enthusiasm for language learning. The report evaluates the experiences of this ‘Digi-Languages’ pilot, and how this project might be extended to other language learning communities in Wales and beyond.

‘Digi-Languages – Stimulating Language Learning in Schools’ was funded by the MEITS project under a flexible funding call.

·       The report assesses the successes and challenges of Digi-Languages, which completed its first 6-week pilot in March 2018.

·       The assessment follows an external evaluation of the projects impact which is available at: http://mflmentoring.co.uk/digi-languages/.

·       Reflections on specific design elements of the online mentoring experience and how it created a rapport between University student mentors and year 9 mentees.

·       Provides data on how enthusiasm and interest translated into school children choosing modern languages at GCSE.

·       Provides recommendations for the development of Digi-Languages to deepen and extend impact.

To read the full report, please click here.