RESEARCH

v The European Language Portfolio Project initiated by the Council of Europe

The project is being carried out in the Teacher Education Departments of the following universities:

The University of Tampere (pilot)

The University of Helsinki

The University of Turku

The University of Jyväskylä

The University of Oulu.

During the years of 2001 – 2003 teachers of foreign languages are experimenting with the implementation of the European Portfolio and the Common European Framework in their own teaching contexts.

Together with two teachers at the Teacher Training School, Heli Heino and Virpi Sivonen-Sankala we are training future mentors in the neighbourhood of the University of Oulu.

v Process Drama and Foreign Language Learning

Together with Tiina Huohvanainen I am carrying out a research project on process drama and Foreign language learning at the Teacher Training School, the University of Jyväskylä. The participants are 14-15- years old. They are attending an optional course in English called Act it out.

Sources:

Kao,C. & M. O´Neill. 1998. Words into Worlds. Learning a Second Language Through Process Drama. The USA: Ablex.

Mäkinen,K. 2001. With the help of drama activities towards communication in real life. TEMPUS 3/2001, 18-20.

Mäkinen,K. (Forthcoming). Process drama and foreign language learning. In Kaikkonen,P. & V.Kohonen (eds.) VIKIPEDA 2.

v Technology and the Pilot Project for the future teachers of English

Within the Pilot Project for the future teachers of English I am gathering data of the participants’ learning to teach English and reflection on their learning process in the TELSI environment.

v The development of foreign language student teachers' identities through reflective practice. KASOPE, 2002-2003.

v Consultatitive method in enhancing the future foreign language teachers' professional growth. (Konsultatiivinen ohjausmenetelmä vieraan kielen opetusharjoittelijoiden ammatillisen kasvun tukena.) Autumn term 2002.

v Paper on the experiences at AFinLA, Vaasa, Finland. November 8-9, 2002.