Themes

Innovative language teaching is increasingly becoming a sub-field of communication training. What are the interfaces between language training and coaching? How can language skills, communication skills and intercultural competencies be aligned to optimise the transfer of knowledge in the international world of work? What are the consequences for trainer-training? How can mentoring be helpful?

This theme focuses on the tools and developments in the latest language learning applications. It will encompass a broad range of topics from blended learning, wikis, podcasts, video applications and second life to social networking, language learning communities and open source solutions. There will be a particular focus on interactivity in new learning environments and its significance for successful learning.

What does the contemporary management of an international team look like? What role do intercultural and language competencies play in this, both within a team and on a hierarchical level? What specific challenges are involved in training and supporting a virtual team? What are the consequences of a shift from off-the-job to on-the-job training? What is the difference between intercultural coaching and traditional training? How can management of both expatriate and native staff be optimised?

How can the quality of language skills be evaluated? How can quality be defined in the wide gap between the expectations of the apprentice, as well as the employer, and the reality of the business world? What can language portfolios (ELP) contribute to this? Methods of measuring success, instruments for international comparison, such as the Common European Framework (CEF), and testing procedures and standards will be presented and discussed.

According to EU studies, it is not only the big conglomerates that benefit considerably from foreign language skills, but also small and medium-sized enterprises. How can foreign languages help to open up new markets? What is the role of language training in current personnel management? What instruments are required for a custom-tailored analysis of needs to enable optimal coordination between trainers and companies?

Programmes and initiatives to encourage language diversity have been created at a range of levels. Such programmes aim to promote language learning in the contexts of professional mobility and qualifications. Development programmes, educational initiatives and EU projects will be presented and critically discussed. How can information policy be improved? Who benefits from these programmes and who gets left out?

How is language training applied in business practice? What challenges need to be overcome to enable language and intercultural training to contribute optimally to business success? What examples can we learn from – from regionally based small and medium-sized enterprises to global players?