Bachelor
2023/2024
Research Seminar "Effective Methods of Language Learning"
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Area of studies:
Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
1 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Elena Lutkova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
26
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course introduces students to the basics of being an efficient language learner and an intercultural mediator. It also sheds light on what it means to be an efficient academic student and teaches the ropes of scientific work. In other words, the course teaches how to be critical thinkers, to analyse language as means of communication and use it efficiently. It also familiarises students with the specifics of intercultural communication as well as with academic discourse.
The contents of the course are comprised of three main areas: becoming a critical thinker, becoming an effective intercultural communicator, becoming an efficient scientific thinker. The following topics will be covered in the course:
Understanding arguments (1) identifying logical fallacies (2) Learning Cultural Patterns: Beliefs,Stereotypes, Prejudices (3) Learning to overcome cultural stereotypes (4) Understanding scientific reasoning (5)
Learning Objectives
- The course aims at providing students with effective ways of learning a language in all its aspects including skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing) and systems (vocabulary, grammar and functions). The main idea behind the course is to help students gain techniques including mnemonics and neurolinguistic tools to make the process of studying easier and more effective.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to make an informed choice of a learner techniques based on a learner style
- Students will be more aware of multiple intelligence theory and apply the learning tools based on the type of intelligence/intelligences they possess
- Students will be able to boost their memory by means of different techniques
- Students will be able to use critical thinking techniques when reading and interpreting texts
- Students will be able to develop their speaking and writing skills by presenting concise and clear arguments
- Students will be able to develop themselves creatively by means of storytelling
- Students will be able to use reading strategies such as skimming and scanning to fast track the information. They will be able to identify explicit as well as implicit meaning when evaluating a text
- Students will be able to use a concordancer to find new words and phrases to boost their vocabulary
- Students will be able to use neurolingusitic techniques to expand their vocabulary as well as to remember a big amount of information (for example to prepare for tests)
Course Contents
- Topic 1: Being a successful learner
- Topic 2: Being a critical and creative language learner
- Topic 3. Learning systems and skills effectively
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Anderson, G. (2019). Mastering Collaboration : Make Working Together Less Painful and More Productive (Vol. First edition). Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2040637
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Ronald W. Langacker. (2008). Cognitive Grammar : A Basic Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Rybold, G. (2006). Speaking, Listening and Understanding : Debate for Non-native-English Speakers. New York, NY: International Debate Education Association. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=171569