MFL homework in Year 9 French: rising to the challenge

The objectives of this article are, first, to describe a collaborative project between teacher educators and a foreign languages (FL) department in a specialist language college and, second, to evaluate its success. The project focuses on Year 9 pupils across the ability range (in four groups) and involves staff in both institutions working together to plan and produce stimulating homework tasks in French, integrated into the spring term scheme of work. Pupils' work and progress were evaluated and their views sought as well as those of participating staff. A classroom-based action research approach was adopted for the project. The article concludes with outcomes, which include recommendations and ideas to increase the effectiveness of FL homework

The use of ICT in the assessment of modern languages: the English context and European viewpoints

The ever increasing explosion of highly attractive multimedia resources on offer has boosted the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of modern languages. The use of ICT to assess languages is less frequent, however, although online testing is starting to develop. This paper examines the national context for the assessment of modern foreign language proficiency in England, outlines the kinds of assessment currently available and the development of electronic forms of assessment and compares the above with the survey results of a European Union (EU) funded project on current good practice in online assessment of languages in other European countries. The findings indicate that speaking is inadequately served by online testing as tests currently focus primarily on receptive language skills. The implications for future successful online testing include the incorporation of interactive skills and effective formative feedback

Progression and assessment in foreign languages at Key Stage 2

The teaching of primary languages has been increasing steadily, in response to the future entitlement for all Key Stage 2 (KS2) pupils aged 7-11 to learn a foreign language by 2010. However, there remain concerns about progression both within KS2 and through to secondary school and about how learners' progress is assessed. This paper presents findings on the issues of progression and assessment taken from case studies which formed part of a project funded by the then Department for Education and Skills (DfES), now the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). This project set out to evaluate 19 local authority (LA) Pathfinders in England that were piloting the introduction of foreign language learning at KS2 between 2003 and 2005. Findings revealed that there was inconsistency between schools, even within each LA Pathfinder, in the use of schemes of work and that assessment was generally underdeveloped in the majority of the Pathfinders. In order to set these findings in context, this paper examines the issues of progression and assessment in foreign language learning in England. Finally, it investigates the challenges English primary schools face in terms of progression and assessment in the light of the new entitlement and discusses implications for the future. Managing progression, both within KS2 and through to secondary school at KS3 (ages 11-14), is one of the key factors in determining the overall success of starting languages in primary school

Moving on : the challenges for foreign language learning on transition from primary to secondary school

Europe's commitment to language learning has resulted in higher percentages of pupils studying foreign languages during primary education. In England, recent policy decisions to expand foreign language learning at primary level by 2010 create major implications for transition to secondary. This paper presents findings on transition issues from case studies of a DfES-funded project evaluating 19 local authority Pathfinders piloting the introduction of foreign language learning at primary level. Research on transition in other countries sets these findings in context. Finally, it investigates the challenges England faces for transition in the light of this expansion and discusses future implications

The Ursinus Weekly, May 30, 1974

Cindy Cole named valedictorian • Four to receive honorary degrees at commencement • Summer use planned for college facilities • New member added to Phys. Ed. faculty • New Assistant Dean of Women is appointed • New instructor of philosophy named • Two professors receive quarter century awards • Dr. Visser writes history text manual • Dr. Cope elected to Phi Beta Kappa office • Editorial: Money talks?; Farewell • Alumni Corner: The extra-curricular teacher • To the editor: The cracked shell • Goal is near • Change in Lancaster • Focus: The head on that guy! • Deferred degrees received • Faculty focus: Ursinus past and presenthttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1018/thumbnail.jp

A potential library for primary MFL pedagogy: the case of Young Pathfinders

As readers of this journal will know very well, 2010 will see all KS2 (ages 7-11) pupils in England entitled to learn a modern foreign language in normal curriculum time. This development of the commitment to primary language learning should provide an excellent opportunity and experience for pupils, whilst at the same time requiring some radical changes for many teachers, schools and much of the wider language learning community. Recent research has indicated general trends suggesting an increase in primary languages already, in anticipation of this development and even beforehand. One of the most recent studies indicates that 43% of primary children currently learn a foreign language at KS2, either in class or as an extra-curricular activity, although the extent of this learning varies considerably (Driscoll, Jones and Macrory, 2004). It has also been suggested (Muijs et al, 2005) that there are certain aspects of the process that will be particularly demanding if the challenge of providing this entitlement are to be met

The Ursinus Weekly, April 25, 1974

Jeane Dixon arrives at Ursinus College • Bruce Springsteen and band a big hit in Helfferich at first major rock music concert at Ursinus • Editorial staff named for Ursinus Weekly • Two more forums planned for April • IRC participates in Model UN • Committee meets on women’s hours • Editorial: Does anybody really care? • Jeane Dixon: Before it all happened • Union’s learn-ums: Mini-courses galore • Volunteers help special students • C. Vaughn Fitzgerald meets the challenge of London culture and energy crisis • Gutman speaks to Ec club • Freshman Mark Sellers new college chess champ • Travelin’ 7 benefits Pierce scholarship fund • The Zodiac: The water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces • Songfest slated for April 30 • Women’s Lacrosse hosts “all college” tri-outs • U.C. runs awayhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1014/thumbnail.jp

Thromboembolism and anticoagulant therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: interim clinical guidance from the anticoagulation forum

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that can, in severe cases, result in cytokine storm, systemic inflammatory response and coagulopathy that is prognostic of poor outcomes. While some, but not all, laboratory findings appear similar to sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), COVID-19- induced coagulopathy (CIC) appears to be more prothrombotic than hemorrhagic. It has been postulated that CIC may be an uncontrolled immunothrombotic response to COVID-19, and there is growing evidence of venous and arterial thromboembolic events in these critically ill patients. Clinicians around the globe are challenged with rapidly identifying reasonable diagnostic, monitoring and anticoagulant strategies to safely and effectively manage these patients. Thoughtful use of proven, evidence-based approaches must be carefully balanced with integration of rapidly emerging evidence and growing experience. The goal of this document is to provide guidance from the Anticoagulation Forum, a North American organization of anticoagulation providers, regarding use of anticoagulant therapies in patients with COVID-19. We discuss in-hospital and post-discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, treatment of suspected but unconfirmed VTE, laboratory monitoring of COVID-19, associated anticoagulant therapies, and essential elements for optimized transitions of care specific to patients with COVID-19

The Ursinus Weekly, February 28, 1974

Dean of men’s office ransacked, washing machines destroyed as vandalism continues: USGA proposes community action to eliminate problem • Sorority bids signed; sophomore girls join three campus groups • Christian fellowship will present musical program • First concert scheduled for Helfferich Hall • St. Andrew’s Society announces deadline for scholarships • Editorials: Festival of the Arts; On vandalism • Alumni corner: Leidy lacks leisure • Forum review: Yass Hakoshima • Drama review: “This is the Rill speaking” and “The Interview” • I.F. Winter Party scheduled March 8 • Woodstock abdication • Bearettes come back! • It was a very good year! • First gymnastics meet takes placehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1011/thumbnail.jp

The Ursinus Weekly, December 6, 1973

ProTheatre to present “Second Shepherd’s Play” • Ursinus to comply with Nixon’s request to save energy • St. Andrew’s Society of New York announces graduate deadline • Professor Miller is elected to post • Christmas program to be first of kind • Women’s problems, schedule change aired at meeting • Economics club goes to New York • U.C. band to play on Monday • Editorial: The energy predicament; David Ben-Gurion • Wickersham publishes book, his first, on Greek history of fourth century B.C. • Letter to the editor: Mid-semester assessment • Arts Festival scheduled • Alumni corner: Class of ’73 active in many fields • The Zodiac: The signs and their compatibility discussed • Forum review: Longstreth speaks to forum audience on Megalopolis, 1984 • George Fago, of Psychology Department, delivers first Socratic Club lecture • Don’t think too hard • Hockey Bearettes go to nationals • Ursinus hoopla • Winter sports schedule • Swim team bows to Swarthmorehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1007/thumbnail.jp