# 1 Learning languages – teaching languages

As a beginner teacher of MFL you are already enthusiastic about languages and their importance. But is this the view of others? What are some common views of MFL and what are the implications for MFL teachers? What are your own views concerning the value of knowing a modern language? What messages are being portrayed around you – in the media as well as in the school curriculum? How do students perceive the importance of knowing a modern language? In this section you will consider how modern languages are perceived and think about how you might address some of the arguments against including MFL on the curriculum.

## Reflection point

Before continuing, reflect on what has influenced your own views of language learning and how these views have developed as a result of your experiences.

For example, why did you decide to study languages beyond secondary school? Which aspects of the subject made an impact on you and why? What areas of MFL learning have been important to you since you left school? In what way? Have any aspects affected how you think and act?

OpenLearn - Teaching secondary modern foreign languages
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