1. Introduction
The European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML) invites submissions for its fourth medium-term programme (2012-2015): LEARNING THROUGH LANGUAGES: promoting inclusive, plurilingual and intercultural education.
This new programme reflects both the mission of the Centre and the current concerns of its member states and partners in the area of language education. It is based on a long-term vision aiming at developing inclusive, plurilingual and intercultural pedagogic approaches reaching beyond the foreign language classroom and encompassing all linguistic abilities and needs of all groups of learners in a lifelong-learning process (in-school and out-of-school). This vision is based upon concepts recently developed by the Language Policy Division of the Council of Europe and recommendations adopted by the Committee of Ministers representing the Council’s 47 member states.
The following document is designed to stimulate interest in the forthcoming programme and provide key information on the submission process. It contains the framework for the ECML programme 2012-2015, the envisaged content and practical information for experts interested in becoming involved.
Within the Call, the ECML is seeking two kinds of submissions:
- proposals for projects on a specified area of the programme scheme and
- tenders – individual expressions of interest in leading or contributing to projects outlined by the ECML.
Submissions are sought from:
- experts and researchers in language education, teachers and teacher trainers of all languages;
- experts in education with a strong interest in language education;
- representatives of related organisations/associations with a stake in good quality language education (e.g. parents associations, school boards, business sector).
Applicants should be living and working in a member state of the ECML . The number of submissions per person is not limited (i.e. it is possible to apply for more than one project within the tender process and to submit one or more project proposal). Submissions can be sent at any time before 1 May 2011 to the address call@ecml.at. The site acts as an on-line reference tool for persons wishing to be involved in the ECML’s 2012-2015 programme and includes a full glossary and FAQ section providing guidance on the submission process.
Persons planning to apply may wish to consult their national authorities (national delegate representing their country on the Governing Board of the ECML) for advice on submissions.
General information on the work of the ECML is provided in appendix I.