Recent research published by the British Council revealed that in England there is a decline in the students learning modern foreign languages in secondary education. While approximately 90% of students in primary education speak or learn a second language in addition to English[1], there is a significant drop off when students reach secondary education.
The challenges facing students in the UK are multi-faceted and there are numerous factors thought to contribute to this, including limited exposure to foreign languages in daily life, limited resources and time within lessons and the perception that English is the global “lingua franca[2]”. Issues such as these contribute to a lack of modern foreign language skills among students in the UK and a prevailing sense of disinterest or even apathy when it comes to learning modern foreign languages.
What are the benefits of modern foreign languages for students?
- Effective Communication. One of the primary reasons for students to learn modern foreign languages is to enhance communication skills, both in English and when using modern foreign languages. Whether students are in a classroom environment, on a foreign exchange programme or even within the workplace later in life, having modern foreign language skills will enable individuals to communicate effectively with peers, clients and colleagues, creating positive first impressions and strengthening relationships with others.
- Greater Cultural Appreciation. Having a knowledge of modern foreign languages can help to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures which can in turn expand a student’s world views, building bridges between cultures.
- Academic performance. Learning a modern foreign language can strengthen skills that carry through to other subjects, including reading comprehension, writing proficiency and the acquisition of new vocabulary in a student’s native tongue.
While modern foreign languages are only part of the UK National Curriculum for students in Key Stage 2 and 3 (ages 7 – 14), theories such as the bilingual advantage hypothesis suggest that students who are bilingual may have enhanced problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility, which can be invaluable as they progress through their education.
- Bolster UCAS Applications. More competitive applications that set students apart from other candidates applying for the same university or course. Of course, there is more to UCAS applications than just modern foreign language skills but we dive into this in more depth here.
- Career Opportunities. Thinking beyond primary, secondary and even higher education, having modern foreign language skills to carry into a professional environment can help set candidates apart during the application phase.
According to the British Council, French, Spanish and German are the most popular modern foreign languages among key stage 3 students in state schools within the UK, with Mandarin Chinese as a fourth favourite.
However, comparative to students in Europe, there is a 47% difference in the number of students who feel confident reading and writing in two or more languages (32% of students aged 15 – 30 in the UK, compared to 79% in France, 91% in Germany and an average of 80% across EU member states).[3]
In light of this, there have been regular pleas from individuals within the education sector for the levels of language attainment among students in the UK to be raised, recognising the vital role language plays in global communication and collaboration. Among these individuals are private modern foreign language tutors.
At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we know first hand that all students have different levels of ability and indeed varying levels of interest in modern foreign languages that need to be taken into consideration when working with students to build up a love of languages and strengthen these skills.
We work with many expert tutors who specialise in modern foreign languages. Each tutor will work with you to understand the specific needs of your child and create a tailored programme that fosters a deeper understanding of the language(s) they are learning to promote accelerated progress that supports academic success.
Four of our expert modern foreign language tutors have shared their perspectives on the challenges with modern foreign languages in the UK and how parents and tutors can aid effective learning to strengthen these skills.
Meet (some of) our modern foreign language tutors
Julie (French Tutor)
“I have been a Francophile from a very early age. I went to a French school in London from the age of 4 through to 18, spent time in Paris and did a degree in French. About 8 years ago, my daughter’s friends were looking for some support with their GCSEs so I started tutoring French and absolutely fell in love with teaching. I now tutor French from year 7 through to A-level and even provide tuition for adults.”
Mingyan (Mandarin Chinese Tutor)
“I grew up in China, studied Computer Science and Mathematics before attending graduate school in the USA for PhD in Computer Science. At the end of 2008, I moved to London and when the Department of Education introduced Computer Science as a GCSE subject in 2014, I decided to start teacher training. I initially began my journey as a teacher of Computer Science and Maths but over the past few years, I have also been tutoring secondary school students aiming working towards GCSE Mandarin.”
Karina (Spanish Tutor)
“I obtained an MA in Contemporary Literature and Language from Birkbeck College after completing two Bachelor’s degrees at Universidad Catolica Argentina, one in TESOL and another one in English Language and Literature.
Since moving to the UK I have also obtained a DELTA, achieved a Senior Fellowship Status from the Higher Education Academy and I now teach Foundation level at LSBU. My experience has allowed me to work with a range of international students, supporting them with exams including the IELTS, CAE and First exams as well as GCSE, A-level and undergraduate studies.
I am passionate about languages and literature, and am sure to stir these interests in my students so I always aim to make lessons interactive and engage students creatively in multimedia activities and encourage them to find answers for themselves.”
Moses (French and German Tutor)
“I was born in Togo which has French as its official language but my father was an ambassador for the West African nation, which meant I travelled and lived in many countries throughout my childhood.
As a result, I now speak five languages fluently: German, French, English and two national languages from Togo (Ewe and Mina, which are also spoken in Ghana) which has allowed me to act as a language tutor and teacher for students over the last 30-years.”
In your opinion, why is learning a modern foreign language important for students in the UK?
Karina: The role of foreign modern languages is undeniable not only to instil curiosity about other cultures in students. By learning about other customs and traditions, students can become more open to diversity which can have a very positive impact in their development of soft skills in an increasingly globalised society. High powered jobs are becoming more globalised and a deep understanding of other cultures can do wonders in closing deals and establishing business relations.
Minygan: Many of the students I tutor have lived in China for a few years so they have an understanding of the culture and are looking to continue building their language skills in the UK. However, for students who do not have this experience, learning a modern foreign language is a perfect way to get to know the culture, history and people. Everything from the letters, symbols and pronunciations could carry some specific meaning and value of that culture. Learning about the culture and developing an understanding of the language would help to open the eyes and minds of the students to become a global citizen.
How do you believe language proficiency contributes to a student’s overall education and future opportunities?
Moses: In today’s globalised society, learning a foreign language can be advantageous for students. Language skills can help students stand out as attractive candidates in university or job applications, opening up greater opportunities both in their home nation and overseas.
Julie: Apart from the obvious intellectual development that it offers, learning a modern foreign language increases student’s ability to secure employment in certain sectors especially in international markets. In an age where employers are looking beyond academic skills, a modern language provides another string to a student’s “bow”.
What do you feel are the primary challenges students in the UK face in acquiring modern foreign language skills compared to students in other nations?
Julie: It is certainly more common for students in other countries to learn a new language especially as English is the standard language used mostly in business. In the UK I think we are often complacent and we believe that wherever we go, English will be spoken. I think the most common problem (and one that I come across on a daily basis) is the fear of speaking another language due to not wanting to make mistakes or feeling self-conscious.
Mingyan: No matter what your first language is and what language(s) you are learning, there are challenges present.
Dr. Suzuki’s mother tongue approach focuses on how children pick up native language and applies it to learning an instrument. It outlines parent responsibility, loving encouragement and constant repetition as some of the key elements required to develop the necessary skills in young children. I believe deeply in this approach when it comes to fostering modern foreign language skills in students but it can be challenging to develop modern foreign language skills because there is, in my opinion, a lack of “proper” environments for students to do this.
To really make a change and better support students teachers, parents and students themselves would be required to make a conscious effort to communicate using modern foreign languages. This will help students build up their vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. Teachers and tutors would need to be very patient, because this approach is slower paced, especially with beginner students, but in the long-run, the students will benefit from it.
How can tuition help students to overcome these challenges and how do you approach this in your sessions?
Moses: Tuition is a great help for students as sessions are tailored to the individual’s needs, skills and areas for development. As a tutor you must apply a differentiated approach to instil confidence and self-belief in your tutees and encourage independent learning.
Julie: To me, the most important thing is to provide students with a safe space and for them to feel that it’s ok to make mistakes. Building confidence is key. Most students that require private tutoring will have basic grammar gaps in their knowledge and may reach a point where they are embarrassed to ask questions in front of the class. As a tutor, my role is to help identify what those gaps are so I can provide clarity and help students to understand the subject matter fully. Every student responds differently – some work better with visual clues whereas others react better to aural aids but a good tutor will plug into what works best for each individual student.
Karina: With regards to the linguistic aspect of learning a new language, being exposed to new language paradigms, where grammar and syntax are arranged differently makes the mind more elastic and receptive to new languages. What I mean is, once you learn one second language, other languages can follow more easily. This is where the main challenge of learning languages emerges: it takes grit and daily practice to master a second language but the outcomes are extremely rewarding.
Are there specific activities or resources you find particularly effective in fostering a genuine interest in language learning or supporting students outside of tutoring sessions?
Julie: Watching French films and listening to French podcasts that fall into a student’s personal area(s) of interest is a good way to encourage them to engage with the language beyond the classroom.
Mingyan: English is my second language and was part of my curriculum from age 11 but during my first five years living in the U.S. I experienced first hand the challenges of acquiring modern foreign languages. I had passed my TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and GRE (Graduate Record Exams; a standardised test in the U.S.) before moving but my studies and language skills had been limited to the classroom and written exams rather than practising in real-life environments so it took time to build these skills.
To truly make progress with my English, I have had to make a conscious effort to put myself in English-speaking environments that allow me to practise often; this is something that students I tutor have also found effective.
Karina: What we can do as tutors is encourage our students to make mistakes, take risks and learn from them. That is where confidence is boosted.
By engaging students in conversations, interactive tasks and using authentic material we are leaving behind hesitation and doubt. There is nothing more powerful than saying what you really feel in another language. That is the contribution private tutors can make- personalising the exam constraints, enabling them to find their own voice and boosting their confidence to excel in the exam room or in a global community.
Moses: The resources I tend to recommend to my students are quizlet and Linguascope. Both have a range of modern foreign languages available, are easily accessible and have proven to be effective aid for my students and tutees.
How can parents support their children in developing language skills at home?
Julie: Parents can play a crucial role, especially if one or both speak a foreign language. Providing support and encouragement at home and celebrating milestones and achievements are really helpful to ensure your child’s success in mastering modern foreign languages.
Mingyan: Parents play a critical role in aiding students to learn modern foreign languages as they are the primary builder of an immersive learning environment at home. Going back to Dr Suzuki’s mother-tongue approach, it is recommended the parents play the instrument or a CD at home as background music so that the child can absorb the music passively during the day. In my experience, this approach works well with modern foreign languages among younger children but is harder to implement at secondary age.
That being said, as long as the parents are aware of the importance of the environment, they can introduce activities to help the students with their studies. Things I have found effective include watching movies that are produced in the relevant language(s), travelling to nations that speak that language, spending time with friends and family members who speak the language or attending concerts and exhibitions that bear relevance.
So, what does all this mean for students?
As businesses and universities become more diverse and international, the importance and relevance of learning modern foreign languages becomes increasingly important for students in the UK.
Private tutors emerge as invaluable resources and allies when it comes to building language skills. These dedicated professionals bring a personalised approach that goes beyond the constraints of traditional classroom settings. Private tutors have the capacity to tailor language learning experiences to individual needs, nurturing a genuine passion for languages and fostering a sense of cultural curiosity.
The insights and expertise private tutors provide extend beyond the classroom, equipping students with the linguistic skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in a global landscape. As we delve into the multifaceted challenges of language learning in the UK, the guidance and support of private MFL tutors stand as a beacon, illuminating a path towards linguistic excellence and cultural enrichment for the students of today and the global citizens of tomorrow.
Useful Resources:
- Dr Suzuki’s Mother Tongue Approach; University of Ottowa
- Explore the Bilingual Advantage Hypothesis in more depth: Texas State University
[1] Source: Language Trends England Survey 2023, British Council
[2] Meaning: Oxford English Dictionary defines “Lingua Franca” as a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different.
[3] Source: The European Commission’s Flash Barometer Report, April 2018