Organizer 1
Lisa Hartmark
adviser
Norwegian Directorate of immigration
UDI, 8108 Dep,N-0032 Oslo, Norway

Tel: +47 23 35 16 07
Fax: + 47 23 35 17 14
Email:lih@udi.no


Organizer 2
Elisabeth Mezulianik
Area Leader
Integration City of Vienna
Ebendorferstraße 1/3, 1080 Wien

Tel: +43 / 1/ 4000 - 81 431
Fax: +43 / 1/ 4000 /99 / 81 431
Email:mez@bli.magwien.gv.at





Workshop description:
This workshop will focus on the role of adult education in light of achieving successful integration for immigrants. Norway will look at the results of a research project as well as examine practical work in a local community with one particular language training approach. They will also have a look at a new multimedia programme – Migranorsk ( Migra-Norwegian) for learning Norwegian for immigrants . The Migranorsk program was awarded with the European Label for innovative projects in language teaching and learning for the year 2001. The focus will be on new models for language instruction programmes. Language learning opportunities for immigrants have never been an national issue in Austria. Since the 1990 different government agencies have organized and financed smaller projects but never in a concerted effort to provide good integration policies for newly arrived immigrants or refugees. The Viennese Funds for Integration is the only agency that has provided language learning programmes and supported a network of providers of education for the last 5 years. A lot of work has been spent on developing frameworks, standards and monitoring the language learning processes of immigrants - much was still open for development and many questions remained unanswered yet a new government initiative is aimed at destroying all these efforts. The Vienna language learning campaign SPRACHOFFENSIVE still remains an example of a good practice and can serve to put the new Laws for Integration into perspective. A discussion by a panel will follow in the second session.


Goals of the workshop:
Show results from a research program, discuss suitable models for language training and exchange information and practices.




Policy relevance and topic: Most European countries are engaged in policy development in regards to immigrant issues and language learning for adults is one of the main topics.



Presenters / participants /other information
Perly Norberg, Researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Adult Education (VOX) will present the main findings of a research program about the Norwegian language training for adults. Albert Einarsson Project Manager, Norwegian Institute for Adult Education (VOX) and will present exemples of the new innovativ data program Migranorsk (Migra- Norwegian)
Managing Director Elisabeth Holen, Introduction Centre for Foreigners in Drammen, Norway will impart some of the practical experiences from language training in an introductory program.
Thomas Fritz, language learning and teacher training Co-ordinator at the Verband Wiener Volksbildung( -umbrella organisation for adult education center - Volkshochshule of Vienna)
Elisabeth Assmair, representative from the Vienna Funds for Integration will present the
Language Training programme for Adults in Austria and a successful model from Vienna, called “Sprachoffensive”.They will also provide an orientation about the current political situation in Austria
Lisa Hartmark, Adviser of the Directorate of Immigration will be leading the panel discussion.




Summary:
The workshop wants to discuss the language learning from different perspectives; research and “hands-on” experiences. Language learning programmes from Norway and Austria will be presented and discussed. Themes for discussion: How can language instruction best function as a tool for integration? Is language learning a prerequisite for integration or is it the other way round? How can the standards achieved in the courses be evaluated?
How can individual needs of migrants be assessed and integrated into (individual) learning paths? What is the role of the state and the local community in providing language training, and how is the individual immigrant encouraged to promote their own learning?




Date: 11 September


(1 session is 3 hours)
Number of sessions: 1

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