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Research Excellence Framework (REF)

CIRITTL has an ongoing commitment to research excellence and has made previous contributions to REF2021 and plans to make further contributions in the upcoming peer-reviewed assessment of research quality (REF2029). Learn more about CIRITTL’s REF2029 planning and previous REF2021 case study below.

REF2029

The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021.

The next exercise is planned for 2029 and CIRITTL, including its’ associated people and partners, are making preparations to submit a case study. More details will be made available.

REF2021

The most notable contribution made during the REF2021 submission is the following case study, showcasing the impact of an Erasmus+ funded project (ITILT).

Improving educators’ use of technology in language teaching across Europe and Eurasia

Through €804K grant funding, the Interactive Technologies in Language Teaching (iTILT) project impacted the language teaching and pedagogical practice of over 9,300 educators benefitting c50,000 students across Europe and Eurasia. Course materials were produced in six languages and 1,327 teaching practitioners attended iTILT workshops. iTILT was designated a ‘Success Story’ by Erasmus+, a category reserved for projects distinguished by their impact, contribution to policy making, innovative results or creative approach, and a source of inspiration to others.

Summary of the Impact

Research at Cardiff Met has enhanced the use of technology in teaching modern languages nationally and internationally. Funded by grants totalling €804K, two phases of the Interactive Technologies in Language Teaching (iTILT) project impacted the communicative language teaching and pedagogical practice of over 9,300 educators benefitting an estimated 50,000 pupils and students across Europe and Eurasia.

Course materials were produced in six languages and 1,327 teaching practitioners attended iTILT workshops. iTILT was designated as a ‘Success Story’ by Erasmus+, a category reserved for projects that have distinguished themselves by their impact, contribution to policy-making, innovative results or creative approach, and that might be a source of inspiration to others. The project’s events website recorded 36,013 hits in addition to more than 82,000 on content curation site Scoop.it.

If you wish to know more about the impact of iTILT, or download the case study PDF, use the button below:

iTILT 2021 Case Study