How can language learning become a genuine experience for high school students? And how can they not only meet the requirements but also acquire truly usable language skills? These questions were addressed by Eszterházy Károly Catholic University through the launch of the nationally unique, EU-funded program titled “Discover Your English Voice / (in Hungarian: Hallasd a hangod angolul!”).
The initiative targeted the high school age group and its professional-methodological foundations were developed by the University’s Language Pedagogy Centre. The students participating in the program were taught by high school teachers as well as university students majoring in foreign language teaching. The education took place in a complex pedagogical environment emphasizing experiential learning methods, practical language use, and the experience of community learning. Besides strengthening students’ motivation for language learning, the program focused on developing the skills necessary for independent language use.
The core aim of the “Discover Your English Voice” program was to encourage learners to use the language confidently and actively, especially in real-life situations. Participants could take part in intensive language courses that not only prepared them for their final exams but also provided effective language learning strategies, contributing to the development of self-confidence and linguistic autonomy.
The project also placed special emphasis on professional collaboration between teachers and university students. This was realized through workshops and further training sessions, helping to integrate modern pedagogical practices into everyday high school language teaching. Additionally, partner school students had the opportunity to improve their English skills through online language courses. The program paid attention to all essential language areas: vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, and pronunciation – all received targeted development.
One of the greatest values of “ Discover Your English Voice!” lies in the real shift in attitude it initiated in language education. Students did not participate in the learning process as passive recipients but became active, creative contributors: shaping the lessons with their own ideas, performances, and projects. This learning environment not only strengthened language competencies but also fostered personal development, self-confidence, and communication courage – skills that truly serve as keys for students to make their voices heard in English as well.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project EFOP-3.2.14-17-2017-00008 under the Human Resource Development Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
