Innovation, implementation, knowledge transfer on Healthy Linguistic Diet project: practitioners and academics working in partnership

This paper focuses on the classroom innovation model named ”Healthy Linguistic Diet” (HLD), which is conceptualised as an innovative approach to language learning with the aim to enhance our cognitive functioning throughout different life stages: from early childhood throughout adulthood to advanced age. HLD is an interdisciplinary approach which uses as its research base clinical studies from the field of neuroscience and applied linguistics research conducted in education settings. The model, conceptualised by Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith and Thomas H. Bak, was presented within a MOOC promoted by the European Commission and by European Schoolnet and implemented by three Italian schools within a research project carried out by INDIRE (National Institute for Documentation, Innovation and Research) and coordinated by Letizia Cinganotto. Comments and reflections provided by the MOOC attendees and by the Italian teachers will be reported in this paper, showing the potential of the HLD model to develop: conceptual understanding of innovative approaches, awareness of linguistic diversity as a resource and sustainable longer-term practice improvements beyond the life of the project. The model can provide useful insights for inclusion, equity, plurilingual and intercultural dialogue for a democratic education in 21st century schools.