Bazaar: Informal Language Learning and Exchange at Market Places

Abstract

The main aim of the European Research & Development project ‘Bazaar: Learning and Exchange at the Market Place’ (http://www.bazaarproject.eu1) is to promote language learning and at the same time the exchange experiences, knowledge and ideas amongst adult learners with a migrant background in daily settings. The educational approach is based on the key concepts of learner centricity; informal learning; learning embedded in everyday contexts; social inclusion, community and citizenship. By these means Bazaar tries: • To empower individuals, to promote social interaction and enhance intercultural dialogue at community level; • To relate to societal needs, to promote social dialogue and social inclusion of migrants and to encourage their civic engagement; • To trigger the motivation to learn amongst the migrant population in the partner countries, especially those often excluded from education e.g. older men and women; • To design and to test learning activities, methods and materials that are sustainable and replicable. Bazaar uses the term ‘Market Place’ in both ways, literally and metaphorically: • As a concrete space where people naturally meet and interact; • As a place used to facilitate communication, cooperation, intercultural awareness and a ground of mediation to resolve possible resolve conflicts; • As a concrete learning environment that sustains the integrity of all learners as they attain relevant educational success; • As a place of ideas and as a place to apply creative thinking; • As a learning facilitator. 1 This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Bazaar: Informal Language Learning and Exchange at Market Places Thomas Fischer et al. The concepts of Bazaar have been tested in diverse learning environments in Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom.