In 2022, the North-East Iceland Knowledge Network received a grant from the Continuing Education Development Fund to design and develop new methods in Icelandic language teaching. In collaboration with Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson, the focus was on teaching Icelandic through the nation's song heritage. The project was very well received and led to a further grant last year, this time in collaboration with Norðurþing.
The project, which is titled The Travelling Teacher – Icelandic at the workplace, aims to develop new and tailored methods for teaching Icelandic in close collaboration with companies and institutions. The Icelandic tuition is moved outside the traditional classroom and takes place at the workplace itself, during employees' working hours. This format is particularly well-suited where distance learning is not a viable option, and an emphasis is placed on catering to the needs of each specific workplace and working environment.
Before the training began, a detailed analysis of the needs of the participating sites was carried out with the assistance of managers at each location. The project covers a variety of workplaces within Norðurþing. The analysis assessed the specific vocabulary and language skills required for each role, as well as mapping out training priorities related to the workplace and the profession. It was decided to teach twice a week during working hours, and managers were supportive of making adjustments to allow students the time to attend.
All in all, 19 employees from different workplaces took part in the project, including Grænuvellir Nursery School, Húsavík Swimming Pool, Frístund, Pálsgarður, Víkurkirkja, Miðjan and the Administration Building. The management of Norðurþing immediately welcomed the project, and the Multicultural Officer, Nele Marie Beitelstein, has provided enthusiastic support for its implementation. In addition, Norðurþing has invested in accessibility to Just a number to provide participants with further tools for their Icelandic studies.
The teaching is in the hands of our most experienced teachers., Dóra Ármannsdóttir which emphasises practical training based on real-life workplace situations. Students have shown significant progress in a short space of time, both in vocabulary and in their ability to use Icelandic in their daily work.
The Farkennarinn – Icelandic at the Workplace project is an example of a successful initiative that seeks to meet the needs of the labour market and participants through targeted and practical Icelandic language teaching. With the support of Norðurþing and the enthusiasm of the participants, the project is delivering tangible results that benefit both the staff and the community as a whole.
It is pleasing to be able to report that the collaboration between the Knowledge Network and the Multicultural Officer of Norðurþing has led to more exciting projects, which will be presented in the coming months.