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Formal and informal foreign language learning at university: blurring the boundaries

Bruen, Jennifer orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-9279-2978 and Erdocia, Iker orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-2459-1346 (2024) Formal and informal foreign language learning at university: blurring the boundaries. The Language Learning Journal . ISSN 1753-2167

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the integration of informal language learning into university language modules in a foreign language environment. It begins with an exploration of the evolving nature of formal and informal language learning. This is followed by analysis of a pedagogic innovation intended to integrate foreign language activities in an informal university space shared by domestic and international students into formal German and Spanish language modules in an Anglophone context. The initiative is evaluated within an action research framework using the following research instruments: student attendance data, reflective reports, end-of-module student surveys and a collaborative debrief with two International Language Tutors. The results indicate that the explicit integration of informal language learning into formal language modules increases student engagement with informal language learning, provides opportunities for oral practice in particular, and supports the development of language learner autonomy. Thus, while care must be taken to ensure that the informal nature of the informal language learning experience is retained using appropriate low stakes assessment and a fluid, flexible, student-led pedagogical approach, the findings indicate that the explicit integration of informal language learning activities into formal language learning has the potential to expand the Personal Learning Environment of the foreign language learner to their benefit.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Iuniversity language teaching and learning; formal language learning; informal language learning; language learner autonomy; German/Spanish as a Foreign Language; Action Research (AR)
Subjects:Humanities > German language
Humanities > Language
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies
Publisher:Routledge (Taylor & Francis)
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2024.2306157
Copyright Information:© 2023 Taylor & Francis.
ID Code:29556
Deposited On:02 Feb 2024 16:49 by Jennifer Bruen . Last Modified 02 Feb 2024 16:49
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