Birgit Smith
@birgit2014.bsky.social
Former Director of Language Studies at Lancaster University. Continuing to teach German language and culture at the OU, just for fun.. Interested in languages, but also medical science.
Another year of SATs tests in English and Maths for 10 year olds over. Has anyone ever researched if these tests improve attainment? Improve schools? Has Ofsted improved schools? Cost benefit? But more mental health support? Kids and teachers need it, not in 2030, but now.
May 16, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Another year of SATs tests in English and Maths for 10 year olds over. Has anyone ever researched if these tests improve attainment? Improve schools? Has Ofsted improved schools? Cost benefit? But more mental health support? Kids and teachers need it, not in 2030, but now.
Editors should be required to post the corrections in the same size, on the same page, as the original false article.
Here is the Sun's pitifully small apology for its lie about benefits tourism - a lie that was accepted as truth by millions and helped deliver Brexit.
These lies are perverting our democracy. At a minimum, apologies should be published in the same location and size as the lie.
These lies are perverting our democracy. At a minimum, apologies should be published in the same location and size as the lie.
May 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Editors should be required to post the corrections in the same size, on the same page, as the original false article.
Reposted by Birgit Smith
3 May 1945: The ship 'Cap Arcona', laden with concentration camp survivors, is sunk by British bombers in the Baltic www.ndr.de/geschichte/c... via @ndr.de
Bomben auf die "Cap Arcona": Briten versenken am 3. Mai 1945 Schiff mit evakuierten KZ-Häftlingen
Kurz vor Kriegsende, am 3. Mai 1945, versenken Briten die "Cap Arcona" und die "Thielbek" in der Lübecker Bucht. Sie vermuten deutsche Truppen auf den Schiffen - ein Irrtum: An Bord sind 7.500 KZ-Häft...
www.ndr.de
May 3, 2025 at 4:17 PM
3 May 1945: The ship 'Cap Arcona', laden with concentration camp survivors, is sunk by British bombers in the Baltic www.ndr.de/geschichte/c... via @ndr.de
Troubling times ahead. Re-energize in nature and challenge the lies.
May 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Troubling times ahead. Re-energize in nature and challenge the lies.
And don't forget, you are not allowed to dance either.
The following films are - in theory - among the 700 movies that are not allowed to be shown in German cinemas on Good Friday (via @rbb24.de)
April 18, 2025 at 9:53 PM
And don't forget, you are not allowed to dance either.
Multilingual capabilities are integral to research excellence, impact and integrity in a globalised and connected research environment. Diverse language skills enrich and expand research across all academic disciplines.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...
Multilingualism in UK academic research
This report evidences the recognition, role and use of multilingualism in UK academic research fields outside Modern Languages.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
April 9, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Multilingual capabilities are integral to research excellence, impact and integrity in a globalised and connected research environment. Diverse language skills enrich and expand research across all academic disciplines.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...
Great ideas to connect students. However, AI moves very quickly, and universities do not. Questioning the environmental impact is valid, but hasn't that ship sailed?
Our last presentation at today’s event, ’Inspiring Digital Futures: Meeting the Needs of TikTok Generation Learners in Online Spaces’ is by Helen Lee, exploring study experiences of students aged 18–25 @azumahcarol.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social #DigitalLearning #InspiringDigitalFutures
April 2, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Great ideas to connect students. However, AI moves very quickly, and universities do not. Questioning the environmental impact is valid, but hasn't that ship sailed?
Looking forward to
' Innovative technology to create a sense of community'.
' Innovative technology to create a sense of community'.
We’re thrilled that all tickets for Inspiring Digital Futures have GONE! Excited to welcome our incredible speakers with keynote @achalagupta.bsky.social + Olivia Kelly, Danielle Pullen & Helen Lee, for discussions on engaging the TikTok generation in online learning! #InspiringDigitalFutures
April 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Looking forward to
' Innovative technology to create a sense of community'.
' Innovative technology to create a sense of community'.
Great news for German rail passengers!
With train punctuality at a record low and passenger frustration soaring, Germany's railways are looking to the UK for inspiration. They're introducing Britain's tea time alarm to help ease tempers & encourage passengers to unwind with a comforting cuppa while enjoying the view.
April 1, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Great news for German rail passengers!
Reposted by Birgit Smith
Europe’s language revolution, now more visible than ever
www.brusselstimes.com/1464390/euro...
via @brusselstimes.com
#langsky
www.brusselstimes.com/1464390/euro...
via @brusselstimes.com
#langsky
Europe’s language revolution, now more visible than ever
How successful are European countries at unifying their populations linguistically? Europe’s rapid linguistic transformation can now be answered in a few clicks.
www.brusselstimes.com
March 31, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Europe’s language revolution, now more visible than ever
www.brusselstimes.com/1464390/euro...
via @brusselstimes.com
#langsky
www.brusselstimes.com/1464390/euro...
via @brusselstimes.com
#langsky
Study German. Simple.
Only 7,105 Germans studied at 🇬🇧 unis in 2023/24. That's down 15% on 2022 & 45% on 2019. Similarly worrying are EU numbers (-21% & -49% respectively).
Erasmus & greater 🇪🇺🇬🇧 youth mobility are vital! Spending time abroad as a young person fosters invaluable ties & understanding.
Erasmus & greater 🇪🇺🇬🇧 youth mobility are vital! Spending time abroad as a young person fosters invaluable ties & understanding.
March 22, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Study German. Simple.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Wonderful news! It's great that the department I spent my whole academic life in gets the recognition it deserves. Great students, great colleagues!
We are delighted to announce that Modern Languages at Lancaster University has moved up to joint 66th globally and is situated within the top ten for UK institutions in the latest QS World Rankings by Subject 2025! www.lancaster.ac.uk/global-affai...
March 18, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Wonderful news! It's great that the department I spent my whole academic life in gets the recognition it deserves. Great students, great colleagues!
@globalaffairslu.bsky.social come on German students, shout out for German! #shoutoutforgerman
This week let's celebrate the German language!
👉 Your favourite German word?
👉 That incredible trip to Deutschland?
👉 Your German teacher, aka the best teacher of all time?
Use #ShoutOutForGerman and show everyone what German means to you!
👉 Your favourite German word?
👉 That incredible trip to Deutschland?
👉 Your German teacher, aka the best teacher of all time?
Use #ShoutOutForGerman and show everyone what German means to you!
March 17, 2025 at 9:44 AM
@globalaffairslu.bsky.social come on German students, shout out for German! #shoutoutforgerman
Shout out for German!
March 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Shout out for German!
The value of studying languages and cultures.
"Modern languages departments are neither colonial nor obsolete"
An article by @ucflangs.bsky.social, @ilcs.bsky.social & @uniofstandrews.bsky.social on the value of the study of languages, cultures & societies today, responding to a recent opinion piece.
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/mode...
An article by @ucflangs.bsky.social, @ilcs.bsky.social & @uniofstandrews.bsky.social on the value of the study of languages, cultures & societies today, responding to a recent opinion piece.
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/mode...
Modern languages departments are neither colonial nor obsolete
Advanced linguistic and cultural skills remain essential for deep insight into how people see themselves in the world, say five modern languages academics
www.timeshighereducation.com
March 12, 2025 at 9:36 AM
The value of studying languages and cultures.
Reposted by Birgit Smith
Shout-out to all the German teachers in the UK 🫡
From 17-21 March, join our week-long celebration of the German language by using #ShoutOutForGerman to showcase the amazing things you do in your classrooms to get students excited about learning German!
From 17-21 March, join our week-long celebration of the German language by using #ShoutOutForGerman to showcase the amazing things you do in your classrooms to get students excited about learning German!
March 5, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Shout-out to all the German teachers in the UK 🫡
From 17-21 March, join our week-long celebration of the German language by using #ShoutOutForGerman to showcase the amazing things you do in your classrooms to get students excited about learning German!
From 17-21 March, join our week-long celebration of the German language by using #ShoutOutForGerman to showcase the amazing things you do in your classrooms to get students excited about learning German!
Reposted by Birgit Smith
So looking forward to this conference. The call for papers is still open for those interested - it will be in person and online on 2-3 May. Hope to maybe see some of you in Uzbekistan! Website is being updated ongoing. fltal.org
FLTAL
FLTAL
fltal.org
March 4, 2025 at 6:44 PM
So looking forward to this conference. The call for papers is still open for those interested - it will be in person and online on 2-3 May. Hope to maybe see some of you in Uzbekistan! Website is being updated ongoing. fltal.org
Da hat sich die GB Regierung wieder ein Eigentor geschossen.
“A fall in international students applying for visas risks prolonging the existential threat facing some of England’s universities.”
Fall in overseas students fuels threat to English universities despite rise in fees
Higher tuition costs have already been ‘wiped out’ by government tax hikes, critics claim
buff.ly
February 16, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Da hat sich die GB Regierung wieder ein Eigentor geschossen.
Please support researchers in the US. Thank you.
Thank you for raising this. Many of us are resisting: please sign the open Declaration To #DefendResearch Against US Gov Censorship! Sign now! Share everywhere! Help make this action go viral! #scholcomm #academisky #academichatter #sciencesky #openscience tinyurl.com/3bwuc38f
Declaration To Defend Research Against U.S. Government Censorship
This Declaration is a call to action for the scholarly communication community and additional stakeholders to condemn and resist recent acts by the U.S. government to censor scholarly research.
We ca...
tinyurl.com
February 16, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Please support researchers in the US. Thank you.
Reposted by Birgit Smith
I just signed this declaration. If you think this is an important matter, please join us and sign it too!
Thank you for raising this. Many of us are resisting: please sign the open Declaration To #DefendResearch Against US Gov Censorship! Sign now! Share everywhere! Help make this action go viral! #scholcomm #academisky #academichatter #sciencesky #openscience tinyurl.com/3bwuc38f
Declaration To Defend Research Against U.S. Government Censorship
This Declaration is a call to action for the scholarly communication community and additional stakeholders to condemn and resist recent acts by the U.S. government to censor scholarly research.
We ca...
tinyurl.com
February 16, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I just signed this declaration. If you think this is an important matter, please join us and sign it too!
Is the lack of language learning coming home to roost? Fewer kids take GCSE and A levels in languages, and universities have reduced degree programmes. In the EU, everyone learns at least 2 foreign languages. When will the UK wake up?
Over 60,000 Foreigners Could Lose Their Right to Remain in France Due to New Language Requirements
schengen.news/over-60000-f...
via schengen.news
#France #immigrants #language #langsky
schengen.news/over-60000-f...
via schengen.news
#France #immigrants #language #langsky
Over 60,000 Foreigners Could Lose Their Right to Remain in France Due to New Language Requirements
The new language requirements that are planned to be implemented in France could truly impact the stay of over 300,000 foreigners in the country. According to local media, once the measure enters into...
schengen.news
February 15, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Is the lack of language learning coming home to roost? Fewer kids take GCSE and A levels in languages, and universities have reduced degree programmes. In the EU, everyone learns at least 2 foreign languages. When will the UK wake up?
Today is National School Governors Awareness Day. Governors are the largest volunteer force in the country. We all bring lots of dedication and commitment and give our time, energy, and expertise to help schools thrive across the country.
February 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Today is National School Governors Awareness Day. Governors are the largest volunteer force in the country. We all bring lots of dedication and commitment and give our time, energy, and expertise to help schools thrive across the country.
Reposted by Birgit Smith
Exciting news! 🌟 The call for proposals for the International Albinism Conference at Lancaster University in September 2025 is now open.
www.lancaster.ac.uk/global-affai...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/global-affai...
CfP: International Conference on Albinism at Lancaster University, September 2025 - Lancaster University
To mark 10 years of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism, Professor Charlotte Baker from the School of Global Affairs is co-organising an in-person conference t...
www.lancaster.ac.uk
February 11, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Exciting news! 🌟 The call for proposals for the International Albinism Conference at Lancaster University in September 2025 is now open.
www.lancaster.ac.uk/global-affai...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/global-affai...
Reposted by Birgit Smith
It's not a risk, it's the reality. Humanities have been ornaments all over in the last decade. Now it's already too late to modify anything, unless a significant, radical and rather revolutionary change may occur in Higher Education curricula and, above all, management.
The humanities risk becoming “ornaments” on science-focused university course portfolios as they take a “disproportionate” hit from the UK sector funding crisis, public historian @davidolusoga.bsky.social has warned. @julietterowsell.bsky.social reports
#highered #EduSky
#highered #EduSky
Olusoga: humanities risk becoming ‘ornaments’ on curricula
Humanities course are often forced to 'justify their relevance' in ways STEM subjects are not, TV historian says
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
It's not a risk, it's the reality. Humanities have been ornaments all over in the last decade. Now it's already too late to modify anything, unless a significant, radical and rather revolutionary change may occur in Higher Education curricula and, above all, management.