Duolingo ( Language Learning App) is used extensively in Woodlands’ Welsh Second Language learning. Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education App and the quick ‘bite-sized’ lessons appeal to learners. Learners practice speaking, reading, listening, speaking and writing to build their vocabulary and grammar skills.

 

The lessons are designed to be brief, allowing learners to learn in manageable chunks. Duolingo uses a gamified approach to learning with lessons that incorporate, listening, writing, translating and interactive learning to create a very effective educational experience  and tailor the learning to each learner. The teacher sits alongside the learner to support,  guide and advise. Duolingo itself gives a ‘private tutor’ type experience which learners quickly understand that Duolingo is tailored specifically to themselves.  The teacher is able to monitor the learning and supplement certain knowledge and tasks to support the Duolingo Programme.

 

Learners enjoy seeing their progress alongside ‘rewards’ that the programme offers. Duolingo layout  feels like a game and has a visually appealing interface.   The ‘game’ is set like a tree that learners work through. On reaching the end they receive a small ‘digital’ trophy with a flag representing Wales. Research has shown that Duolingo is very effective in learning languages and, to date Woodlands learners really enjoy the success of following the Welsh programme.

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Woodland learners’ come from different backgrounds and some of them are English born but have attended schools in Wales previous to being placed at Woodlands. Some learners are Welsh and will have the opportunity of Following the WJEC Wels Second Language course and sit the examination at the end of Year 11. Dependent on progress, English learners will also have the opportunity to sit the WJEC Examination.