Search results for "Language learning"

At the Crossroads: Challenges of Foreign Language Learning

2017

This book offers a valuable contribution to the discussion on the complexities of L2 learning processes that pose a challenge to learners. Focusing on the cognitive, affective and socio-cultural perspectives, the papers included provide important insights into the individual’s experiences in second language acquisition. This work also addresses social interactions and cultural background, shedding new light on their role in the context in L2 learning processes. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges of foreign-language (FL) learning and teaching.

Eiropas kultūras diplomātijas dinamika Indijā: pētījums par Banglores Franču Aliansi

2017

Kultūras diplomātija ieņem galveno vietu daudzu valstu ārpolitikā. Kultūras diplomātijas pētnieciskā literatūra ir attīstījusies, iekļaujot izmaiņas tās praksē tādas kā sadarbība, jaunu aktieru iesaiste, jauni kanāli, caur kuriem sadarbību praktizē, un sasniedz jaunus mērķus. Darba mērķis ir veicināt kultūras un publiskās diplomātijas lauciņu, analizējot Eiropas kultūras diplomātijas dinamiku caur trešās pasaules valstīm. Darbs pēta Franču alianses darbību Bengalūru, Indijā, izmantojot gadījuma analīzes metodi. Darbs koncentrējās uz visu valodas apgūšanas sistēmu kultūras institūtos, aplūkojot to kā kultūras un publiskās diplomātijas ziņu pavairotāju. Dati tika vākti un analizēti, balstotie…

Language learning strategies and teaching practices in adult L2 education : The case of Swedish for Immigrants

2019

This article highlights the use and co-construction of language learning strategies (LLS) in second language education for adults with short previous education. In a case study, we explore how LLS are used and co-constructed by one student and one teacher. The data for the article was created in an action research programme comprising two Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) schools, and the methodology used was classroom observation based in linguistic ethnography. In accordance with Griffiths (2013, p. 15) LLS are defined as “activities consciously chosen by learners for the purpose of regulating their own language learning”. For the analysis of LLS, Oxford’s (1990) taxonomy was chosen. In the ch…

Language Education Policy in England : Is English the elephant in the room?

2011

This paper offers a critical review of language education policies and the state of language education in England over the last decade (2000-2010), which has been characterised by a bewildering array of initiatives to promote language learning, year-on-year improved grades of school exams, and language education policies showing little coherence. Conversely, both media and student voices on the subject of language learning in the UK reveal high awareness of the UK’s poor performance relative to other EU countries. This picture is interpreted within the context of Global English, proposing that a tacit assumption that English is enough offers a coherent explanation of current practices and p…

Fostering general and specific competences through online language learning materials

2011

This paper addresses how general and specific competences are dealt with and fostered through the Online First Certificate Course and Tester, designed by the CAMILLE Research Group in Spain. The debate and research on the role of competences is an ongoing issue within the field of higher education. Moreover, the new framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has made it more visible and has contributed towards designing and implementing new educational curricula based on a competence-based approach. Keywords: online language learning materials; planning; methodology; innovative approach

Feedback on individual academic presentations: exploring Finnish university students’ experiences and preferences

2015

With an increasing emphasis on measuring the outcomes of learning in higher education, assessment is gaining an ever more prominent role in curriculum design and development as well as in instructional practices. In formative assessment, feedback is regarded as a powerful pedagogical tool driving student engagement and deep learning. The efficacy of feedback, however, depends on a multitude of factors. From a learning cultures perspective (James 2014), assessment strives for an appropriate balance between structural constraints and individual agency. To have a better grasp of how feedback functions in practice, it is useful to investigate students’ views and preferences as well as the immed…

Improving Textual Competence in a Second Language Initial Literacy Classroom

2019

The paper aims to illustrate some textual learning activities developed for an L2 Italian initial-literacy classroom, and, in particular, for illiterate plurilinguals (mostly unaccompanied foreign minors). The activities in question belong to an experimental proposal that consists of a specific textual teaching module integrated with a second-language initial literacy course employing the communicative/affective-humanistic teaching approach. Textual activities are normally proposed to intermediate and advanced level literacy learners in second- language classrooms, in order to fully develop reading and writing abilities (i.e. functional literacy). However, based on the importance of learner…

Understanding idioms : a comparison of Finnish third grade students of national senior secondary school and IB Diploma Programme

2006

Computer assisted language learning and the internationalisation of the Portuguese language in higher education contexts

2015

The internationalisation of the Portuguese language has become a priority for academic institutions of different Portuguese-speaking countries which are trying to adapt to the current context of globalisation and ubiquitous communications through digital media. In order to achieve it, several challenges should be faced, namely providing international students with resources aimed at helping them improve their Portuguese while fostering its use in academic and scientific contexts. This can be done by identifying, creating and editing high-quality teaching materials which bear in mind the sociocultural, political, economic and linguistic contexts; using the Information and Communication Techn…

Learning French in the UK setting : policy, classroom engagement and attainable learning outcomes

2019

Due to the contemporary dominance of English as global lingua franca, all other “foreign languages” face a number of challenges in formal education. This paper describes the recent evolution of policy and practice regarding foreign language education in England, with a particular focus on early language learning. Evidence from a classroom study of French as foreign language is used to illustrate primary school instructional practices and children’s engagement in this setting, and their learning outcomes. Conclusions are drawn concerning sustainable approaches to the teaching of languages other than English in the early school years, in an English - dominated linguistic landscape. peerReview…