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