The Modern Day Pen Pal
We connect students from countries all over the world where they are able to engage in project based learning (PBL) tasks with one another whilst improving their own reading, writing and social and emotional skills. Tutors are able to review student work, providing feedback and ensuring the quality of learning on all levels. Tutors are able to monitor all messages through the learning platform and students are selected to match one another with interests and learning requirements to ensure a smooth start.
How it works...
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Students complete questionnaires and interviews to gauge their interests and language requirements to find a best-fit, digital penpal and task
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Project Based Learning ensures a focused approach with guidance and scaffolding within the tasks designed to promote and facilitate language use
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Descriptive writing tasks help with the development of new vocabulary, keeping pupils interested in their task and reflective in their responses, with a focus on detail, spelling, punctuation and grammar
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Older student develop a focus on supporting their arguments and statements, widening their vocabulary, reflecting on their comments and being able to summarise their points
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All messaging is monitored between students to ensure safety and quality of communications
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Students provide feedback to one another on language and the task
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Tutors monitor the PBL assignments, providing feedback, guidance and support throughout the process
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Tasks are designed to take fixed lengths of time, varying from one to six months to ensure continuity
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Improvements in digital citizenship, creativity and collaboration skills as students work together to complete their projects