The Goal

The goal of the Golden Languages ​​project is to offer seniors in Europe high-quality language courses specifically designed for their specific needs and learning styles. These courses not only help them improve their language and communication skills but also enhance their participation at the local and EU levels. Furthermore, participation in these courses should contribute to preventing cognitive decline and promoting healthy and active ageing. We, the partners of Golden Languages, aim to achieve this through two channels. We do this through adult education institutions and language schools. One channel is training teachers to teach seniors. The other is developing and adapting language courses and teaching materials suitable for seniors, for use by these teachers. Therefore, we develop these resources together, based on a work plan. And it doesn’t stop at  development. The dissemination of the results is also part of the project.

The result

So what are the results? First, an informative booklet about the benefits of language learning for combating cognitive decline or promoting healthy cognitive ageing. This will be followed by a self-learning CPD program 1 for language teachers, as well as a set of tools and materials for senior language classes. We will also create a guide with tips and templates for adapting or creating your own materials for seniors. Finally, we will publish a marketing guide and an online tool for teachers and older students to connect with others. The European Union’s Erasmus+ programme is funding the project.

What does the project look like and what will it
deliver?

The project is divided into five work packages. While all partners are collectively responsible for achieving the results, there are sub-activities in which one of the project participants takes the lead. This aligns with their specific competencies. The first two packages are primarily conditional in nature. The remaining packages focus primarily on the content to be produced.

Package 1: Project management

ELTE is developing a monitoring strategy for the progress and effectiveness of the project in general and its subprojects. A GANTT chart has been developed for progress monitoring, providing clear deadlines for all steps. The more detailed evaluation will be conducted using questionnaires, progress reviews, observations, and quantitative measurements. Budget control primarily rests with the overall project coordinator (VUB). A monitoring committee has been established at VUB for this purpose. Teacher Studio has developed a tool to monitor progress over time. Overall oversight of time and budget lies with a central steering committee, which consists of the overall project coordinator and a representative from each partner. Overall risk management is the responsibility of the project coordinator (VUB). To implement this, three in-person meetings will be held throughout the project (Breda, Malaga, and Čačak) and a monthly digital meeting will be held with all stakeholders. To ensure that the developed materials are accessible to everyone, they will be made available online. Their usability will be tested beforehand with participants who are not part of the project itself. Teacher Studio will ensure that all materials are sufficiently inclusive. Teacher Studio also ensures compliance with environmental requirements.

Package 2: Making an impact

Package 2 focuses on raising awareness and subsequently disseminating the project
results. This means generating interest, which should then lead to their use. The overall goal
is to create high-quality language learning opportunities for older adults. A prerequisite for
this is that teachers utilize these opportunities. An important additional element is the
opportunity for older adults to use playful methods to prevent mental decline.
To achieve all of this, several products will be delivered. These are:
● a project website
● social media channels
● (electronic) brochures
● a video about the project
● a dissemination plan and handbook at the start of the project
● webinars
● participation in conferences and seminars
● activities aimed at further multiplication by each of the partners individually
To assess the effectiveness of all this, several key figures have been formulated around
visitor numbers, downloads, etc. These are quantitative indicators. Qualitatively, the
satisfaction and engagement of participants and partners in the activities will be examined.
The final group of activities listed, multiplication, is intended to ensure broad dissemination of
the integrated project results within the field after the formal development project has
concluded. Target groups are therefore teachers and managers of educational institutions,
as well as key political figures.

Package 3: Train the Trainer

Packages 3 through 5 represent the actual, substantive project results that will be delivered.
The first will consist of a scientifically sound booklet that will clearly explain to stakeholders
the benefits of older adults’ participation in educational activities. This makes the project’s
efforts evidence-based. The booklet, which will be published in all languages ​​involved in the
project, should not only be informative but also encourage the target group to actually
engage in the activities. ELTE will be the driving force behind the development of this
product.
The second is a Train-the-Trainer package designed for self-study by teachers. This course
consists of 12 modules covering the following topics:
● learning and the brain,
● the benefits of learning for seniors,
● different learning styles,
● preventing cognitive decline,
● adapting your lessons,
● activities to prevent cognitive decline,
● the social aspect of language learning,
● motivating seniors,
● building relationships with older students, etc.
The course will be delivered in various media, spearheaded by Teacher Studio.

Package 4: Golden Material

Package 4 provides materials for teachers to carry out training courses, but also to develop
new materials themselves.

The first component of this package (project 3) is the Senior Toolbox. This will be a
collection of 30 tools and activities for English as a Second Language courses for seniors.
These tools, adapted to the learning styles and needs of seniors, also include components to
help them prevent cognitive decline.
The tools and activities will have varied content and cover various linguistic elements
(grammar, vocabulary, idioms, etc.). They will also cover all language skills (speaking,
reading, writing, and listening). The content will consist of a variety of texts, audios,
exercises, videos, images, etc.
Each tool or activity is accompanied by comprehensive teacher guides that instruct teachers
on how to use them effectively. Because English is by far the most widely learned second
language in the EU, the activities and tools will be focused on this language. The toolbox will
be designed appropriately for the target group and will include a user guide.
Teachers will always find opportunities to further develop things not covered by the original
project. The fourth project, therefore, provides a DIY 4 guide for new golden materials. The
guide is intended to be a user-friendly 15-page tool with instructions, inspiration, and
templates for language teachers and educational institutions. This will allow them to adapt
their language course materials or create new materials from scratch for seniors, especially
those who also want their materials to include elements to prevent cognitive decline. These
activities and tools can be developed for second language lessons in any language. The
guide has an attractive layout and design, combines text, images, and templates, and is
available on the project’s website.

Package 5: And now realise

Despite all efforts, the project’s impact may still be limited. Even after the project ends, a
movement must be initiated to ensure further dissemination and the continued sustainability
of the developed ideas and materials. To this end, a 30-page handbook for educational
institutions is being developed as a final project. This manual is intended to support these
institutions in disseminating and implementing the program. It addresses effective
communication and marketing for the seniors market in Europe, with tips, tools, examples,
inspiration, background information on the market and marketing, and best practices for
communicating more effectively with the seniors market.
The content is based on research by the partners and will help language teachers and
educational institutions reach the senior market. The handbook has an attractive design and
layout and is available on the project website in English, Hungarian, Spanish, Dutch, and
Serbian.