Comenius Assistantship

action

Žana Orlova

Induction meeting for Incoming Comenius and

Grundtvig assistants

Vilnius

11-12 November, 2011

Statistical data

Dynamics of Comenius Hosting schools in Lithuania of year the 2001-2011

16 17

55

30

2016 17

41

11

23

30

15 5 5 5

8 6 58 9 9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Year

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sist

ants

hip

s

Number of applications received

Number of approved applications

Comenius Assistantship

To give future teachers the opportunity to:

gain a better understanding of the European dimension to teaching and learning;

enhance their knowledge of foreign languages, other European countries and their education systems;

improve their teaching skills.

Key aspects - 1

Maintain cultural and linguistic diversity and

practice the right to live and work anywhere in Europe

PRIORITYless widely used and less taught languages

Key aspects - 2

To introduce or reinforce a European dimension in the host school and community

BYRaising learners’ awareness of another European

culture andhelping break down prejudice

Key aspects - 3

Assistants concentrate mainly on work in the classroom

BUT

There are opportunities to develop more unusual or innovative activities while:

teaching own language and culture (language and non-language lessons)

extra-curricular activitiesactivities in the local community

Good practice guide

4.1 Before leaving for the assistantship

4.2 Integration into the school

4.3 Integration into the local community

4.4 In and beyond the classroom

Preparing the assistantship

Agree an outline timetable Make sure the timetable is for 12–16 hours per week Use the chance to teach your mother tongue Understand the host education system Learn the language Investigate the possibility of obtaining student status Get insurance

Key aspect: invest time and thought

Integration into the school

Respect cultural and educational differences Introduce yourself to all staff Understand teachers are sometimes very busy Use the induction period to think carefully about the

assistantship Offer to help teachers during the induction period Offer to help with extra-curricular activities — sport,

clubs, etc. Meeting with your supervisor at the end of the

induction period If you have problems, speak to your supervisor first

Key aspect: observe and be sensitive

Integration in the local community

Be aware of cultural and religious differences Try to use the local language wherever possible Find out about language classes or exchanges Consider joining a local club or evening class Do not miss the induction meeting Ask the host national agency for a list of other

Comenius assistants Complete all necessary formalities (health, etc.)

Key aspect: be active

In and beyond the classroom

Aim for informality but ensure respect Plan all lessons thoroughly, with the teacher if possible Speak mainly the language (in which) you are teaching Speak clearly but usually at normal speed Discuss with teachers how you should correct learners’

mistakes Gain as much experience as possible with different

types of class Suggest activities and materials

In and beyond the classroom

Try not to be limited to the traditional classroom If you have discipline problems, speak to your

supervisor Every week evaluate with the supervisor what you

have achieved Keep a file on your assistantship

Key aspects:consider cultural and educational

differences and do not enter in conflict with the policy of the school

Anexes I and II

Annex I — Accommodation Tips: living with a family, student residences, sharing flats or houses

Annex II — Resources assistants can bring Are you going home for Christmas? Take a look at this annex

Some ideas for activities

Part I: In the language classroom all ages primary school secondary schoolPart II: Beyond the language classroom Subjects other than languages, extra-curricular activities Clubs Projects special weeks

Responsibilities

Assistants’ responsibilities: do his/her best to fulfill his/her tasks in a committed

way; carefully prepare for his/her assistantship; support the school to establish contacts to his/her

home country; accept all school rules and regulations relevant for

employees; inform the school in cases of illness or unforeseen

absence; inform the school as early as possible if due to

unforeseen circumstances the assistantship can not be completed as agreed upon.

Responsibilities

Host schools’ responsibilities: regular weekly meetings with the supervisor; introduce the assistant to all staff; allow observation for an induction period; draw a timetable which takes into account the

professional interests of the assistant; allow for teaching his/her mother tongue; integrate the CA in the school life; inform him/her about all rules and regulations; support the assistant to their best; facilitate contacts; help the CA to take part in the induction meeting.

When you go back... 1

Ensure a certificate signed by the head of the Host School, stating full name, dates and place of the assistantship

Keep in touch with the LT contacts (& other CAs) for future partnerships or projects

When you go back... 2

fill-in the final report and: - send a copy to your and LT NA’s within 30 days,

together with a copy of the signed agreement;- leave a copy with your host school.

promote and disseminate the experience:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xQLNJgb73w

be aware of Europass CV, Language Passport and Europass Mobility as European mobility tools:

http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/

Your questions are welcome

References

Education Exchanges Support Foundation http://www.smpf.lt Good practice guide for host schools and assistants

(first document)http://www.smpf.lt/lt/dokumentai/2011_m_paraisku_teikejams/comenius_asistentams_ir_priimancioms_mokykloms_skirtas_gerosios_praktikos_vadovas_en

Erasmus intensive language courses in Lithuania http://www.smpf.lt/en/erasmus_studiesplacements/erasmus_intensive_language_courses_eilc_in_lithuania

Europass documentshttp://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/

Education Exhanges Support FoundationGelezinio Vilko str. 12, 01112 VilniusTel. (8~5) 261 0592Fax. (8~5) 249 7137E-mail: zana.orlova@smpf.lt www.smpf.lt