Professional Development of Foreign Language Teachers: The Example of the COMENIUS Project Schule im Wandel (School Undergoing Change)

Abstract

This paper explores blended learning in the context of the further professional development of L2 language teachers. Presenting the European Commission-funded COMENIUS project Schule im Wandel, the authors examine issues relevant to teachers of German as a second language. This course aimed to provide European reference model for the professional development of teachers of modern languages, using Moodle as a virtual and universally accessible learning platform. The course included a set of short thematic documentary films filmed at ten German schools, with associated exercises for learners. The authors describe the aims and architecture of the course, and review two pilot projects which used Schule im Wandel for the purpose of professional development of teachers in Ireland.