The Mérida University Center (University of Extremadura) has become the epicenter of educational innovation in language learning as it hosts the two-day intensive workshops of the European SLS4TEENS Project. As part of the EU GREEN European University Alliance, this initiative brings together experts from five European universities to develop and promote innovative foreign language teaching methods.
The workshops began on March 14, with an opening speech by EU GREEN General Coordinator, Gemma Delicado Puerto (UEx), who emphasized the importance of European values in multilingual education. Alongside her, SLS4TEENS General Coordinator, Delphine Guedat-Bittighoffer (Université d’Angers), and Laura Fielden Burns (UEx SLS4TEENS Principal Investigator) highlighted the project’s objectives. Representatives from the Université de Nantes and Université d’Angers (France), Università di Parma (Italy), Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg (Germany), and the University of Extremadura (Spain) are actively contributing to this initiative.
During these two days, secondary school language teachers are engaging in co-working sessions, sharing experiences, and collaborating on the seven innovative teaching modules that form the core of the project. The SLS4TEENS initiative aims to revolutionize language learning by focusing on communicative learning methods and fostering emotional security in students. Key topics covered in the modules include ICT in language education, intercultural communication, neuroscience applications in language acquisition, and oral skill assessment.
The UEx workshop marks a key milestone in the project’s development. Following the successful first training phase, which resulted in the creation of reusable teaching materials for educators across Europe, the project is now advancing into the research phase. The ultimate goal is to enhance language learning experiences for adolescents, both native and immigrant, by promoting multilingualism as a cornerstone of open and inclusive societies.
In addition to the academic sessions, participants explored Mérida’s rich historical heritage, enjoying guided visits to key cultural landmarks, including the Roman Theater, with the generous support of the Consorcio de la Ciudad Monumental of Mérida.
For more information about the SLS4TEENS project, visit: https://sls4teens.com/portal/es
