26-8923-SPR-Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of Modern Foreign Languages

Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of Modern Foreign Languages

Target Audience: Primary School Teachers and Post-Primary MFL Teachers - (English and Irish-Medium)

Learning Outcomes/Learning Intentions of the Cross-sectoral Community of Practice

The Cross-Sectoral Community of Practice (CCOP) is a collaborative professional learning initiative that brings together primary and post-primary teachers with an interest in Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teaching and learning. It provides a supportive space for teachers from different educational contexts (including both English and Irish-medium schools) to share experiences, reflect on practice, and explore approaches to language teaching within the evolving Irish educational landscape.

Grounded in contemporary developments such as the Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) and growing interest in plurilingual education (Council of Europe, 2020), the CCOP offers participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful professional dialogue around language teaching, teacher identity, and classroom practice. Through collaborative discussion, resource-sharing, and reflective exchange, the CCOP aims to strengthen confidence and professional learning across both sectors. Opportunities for peer observation exchanges and the collaborative creation of practical pedagogical resources will also form part of the professional learning experience.

Learning Intentions

The CCOP aims to:

1. foster collaborative dialogue between primary and post-primary teachers around MFL teaching and learning
2. support reflection on teacher identity, confidence, and professional expertise in language education
3. explore plurilingual and inclusive pedagogical approaches relevant to contemporary classrooms
4. encourage the co-creation of practical pedagogical resources applicable across both primary and post-primary settings
5. facilitate professional learning through peer exchange and observation of classroom practice
6. identify and co-create sustainable approaches to supporting current and future MFL provision across educational sectors

Learning outcomes: 

By participating in the CCOP, teachers will have the opportunity to:

1. deepen their understanding of current issues relating to MFL teaching across primary and post-primary contexts
2. reflect critically on their own experiences, beliefs, and evolving role as language educators
3. explore practical plurilingual strategies that support inclusive classroom practice
4. collaboratively design adaptable teaching resources for use in language classrooms
5. engage in professional dialogue informed by peer observation and shared classroom experiences
6. identify transferable teaching approaches and future professional learning needs

This CoP will take place face-to-face in the Cork Education Support Centre

Dates: Wednesdays - 15th, 22nd, 29th April and the 6th, 13th and 20th May 2026

Time: 4.00pm to 5.30pm

Biography: 

Julia Collins is a language educator, researcher, and lecturer currently in the third year of her PhD in Education at University College Cork, where her research focuses on Modern Foreign Language (MFL) education, teacher identity, plurilingualism, and curriculum change in Irish education.

She holds a B.A. in Applied Languages from the University of Limerick and a Professional Master of Education (German, Spanish and Irish) from University College Cork. Prior to her doctoral studies, Julia held an AP1 leadership role at Gaelcholáiste Mhuire A.G., teaching Spanish through the medium of Irish in a post-primary setting.

She currently works in the School of Education, UCC as a school placement tutor, lecturer, and MFL tutor to pre-service post-primary teachers. Julia has published in the field of language education and has presented her research at national and international conferences. Her current work supports teachers through research-informed professional dialogue, reflective practice, and collaborative professional learning.

Most recent publication

Collins, J., Neville, C., Ó Ceallaigh, T.J (2025). Say yes to languages? Irish primary teachers’ beliefs on modern foreign language integration. Irish Teachers' Journal (INTO). 41-64 https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2019/07/25Nov_ITJ2025_web.pdf

UCC Profile

https://research.ucc.ie/en/persons/julia-collins/