2025/2026
Learning Foreign Languages Effectively
Type:
Minor
Delivered by:
Department of Foreign Languages
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
5
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course is designed to equip students with knowledge on how languages are learned and how to organize this process effectively. This knowledge will help students to become more efficient and effective language learners and to gain understanding of language learning processes needed to become effective language teachers. The course surveys general issues related to second language learning, discusses key concepts (such as input, output, interlanguage or noticing), focuses on factors affecting language learning (such as age, motivation or first language), learner characteristics and preferences and strategies for effective language learning. Various approaches to language learning will also be discussed in this course.
Learning Objectives
- 1. To introduce students to the key concepts and terminology related to language acquisition, language learning, bilingualism, multilingualism, strategies and approaches to learning languages. 2. to build students’ awareness about key concepts in second languages learning, various theories related to learning foreign languages, factors, affecting this process, approaches to teaching foreign languages. 3. to improve communication skills within the teaching/ learning environment; 4. to develop/review basic linguistic concepts and terminology related to language learning and teaching.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- To learn key concepts related to language acquisition, language learning, bilingualism, multilingualism, strategies and approaches to learning foreign languages;
- To be able to plan the content and the results of the process of learning a foreign language based on acquired knowledge of theories of second/foreign language learning and acquisition, brain-based learning, strategies and approaches to teaching foreign languages;
- To raise the awareness of psychology of foreign language learning, factors, affecting this process, including problems, learners might have while learning.
- To be able to design tailor-made courses aimed at facilitating the process of second language learning.
- To be able to discuss various issues of learning foreign languages in the academic context
Course Contents
- Common Ideas and trends.
- Effective language learners and effective language learning environment.
- Theories with the greatest impact on the nature of language learning. Basic concepts and terms
- Most effective patterns of language learning
- Old obstacles to and current breakthroughs in language learning
- Effective modes of language learning
- Brain and effective memorization techniques in language learning
- Effective language instruction
- Learner autonomy and learner agency
- Motivation as the main determinant of language learning
- Effective language assessment
Assessment Elements
- QuizQuizzes on the covered topics.
- Extended answersAnswering the questions on the topics in an extended way.
- In-class group-activityActive participation in discussions of the covered topics during lessons.
- Individual academic or creative projectProjects with presentations on the given topics with the resolution of language learning problems.
- End-of-module group activityResolving specific tasks in groups at the lesson.
- Forum gradeReading specific articles and giving extended answers to the questions on them.
- ExamResolving the given task with an extended answer.
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.2 * End-of-module group activity + 0.3 * Exam + 0.1 * Extended answers + 0.05 * Forum grade + 0.2 * In-class group-activity + 0.1 * Individual academic or creative project + 0.05 * Quiz
