When Grammar Matters: Inductive Learning of Grammatical Meaning through Authentic Communicative Context

Linda Wright Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany Termesl@gmail.com Abstract The premise of this short article is that grammar rules become part of an L2 learner’s autonomously applied repertoire when experienced as decisive in comprehending and conveying meaning. An example of such inductive discovery of meaning for a basic grammar rule is followed by an…

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Shifting the Balance: promoting autonomy and self-reflection in ESP

Barbora Chovancová and Štepánka Bilová Masaryk University Language Centre, Brno, Czech Republic barbora.chovancova@law.muni.cz, stepanka.bilova@law.muni.cz Abstract The modern trend in language teaching emphasises the need to develop skills that enable students to become self-sufficient in their future life with a foreign language. We describe two different learning situations in which learner autonomy is promoted; the first being…

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Teaching two birds to fly with one stone: the CLIL approach to tertiary education in a multi-lingual world

Andreas Schmidt Marmara University, Turkey andreas.schmidt@marmara.edu.tr Abstract This article investigates the relationship between purpose in learning and its outcomes with regard to education delivered in a second language. Bilingual education poses specific challenges, because language training and academic specialisation need to be integrated. The CLIL method is proposed as a way to bridge this gap…

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A Fast Track to Professional English – Engineering and Health Care Students Collaborating in an Online Course

Minna Metsäportti and Kirsi Saarinen Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland minna.metsaportti@tamk.fi, kirsi.saarinen@tamk.fi Abstract A Fast Track to Professional English (3ECTS) is an online course jointly implemented by two vocational English teachers of Tampere University of Applied Sciences. It is intended for students with relatively high competence in English. The objective is to provide Engineering…

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Improving motivation and language attitudes: The post-it experience

Marike Dewina MEM, Desiree Mannens M.A. and Elena Vilanova M.A. The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands m.dewina@hhs.nl, d.mannens@hhs.nl, e.vilanovaescrig@hhs.nl Abstract Giving oral corrective feedback to our students’ oral production could sometimes interrupt the oral production and disrupt the student’s focus and their confidence. In our paper we would like to highlight the advantages of…

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An experiment with cooperative learning in two Business English classrooms – the students’ perspective

Eszter Sandor Budapest Business School, Hungary sandor.eszter@uni-bge.hu Abstract This paper presents the results of a small-scale pilot study of 33 students who participated in an experiment with cooperative learning in a Hungarian business school. The participants filled in a questionnaire and were interviewed about their cooperative classroom learning experience. The paper focuses on the students’…

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Developing presentation skills in a foreign language with (very) short presentations

Martin Businger Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, School of Business, Switzerland martin.businger@hslu.ch Abstract This article suggests classroom activities that aim to develop the presentation skills of foreign language learners at B1 level or higher. Students practise their skills by preparing and delivering very short, but well-structured presentations. Learners in the audience, too, should…

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“To Put it Simply” – Teaching through and about Simplicity

Martina Windisch-Koenig University of Applied Sciences, FH Joanneum Graz, Austria martina.windischkoenig@fh-joanneum.at Abstract John Maeda’s book “The Laws of Simplicity” suggests itself for an English course in Information Design as its author, a graphic designer and computer scientist, proposes ten laws for simplifying complex systems in business, life and product design. Not only is the subject…

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Transitioning into a blended learning and flipped classroom model: the case of business French at Artevelde University College

Jan Den Haese and Aurélie Welcomme Artevelde University College, Belgium jan.denhaese@arteveldehs.be, aurelie.welcomme@arteveldehs.be Abstract In this paper, we will exemplify how a teachers’ team transformed the course “Business French”, a compulsory course for the first year students of the Bachelor in Business Management at Artevelde University College, from a “classical” language classroom course and setting into a…

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Blended Learning+: Combining Project-based Language Teaching with the Team Protocol Method

Andrew McDouall and Mario Seidel Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences, Germany mca@hs-furtwangen.de, sema@hs-furtwangen.de Abstract Learning Management Systems are often reduced to deliver text, and traditional vocabulary and grammar drills, not meeting the criteria for blended learning environments. We therefore implemented an action research project designed to break with this simplistic use by combining Project-based Language Teaching…

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Self-study Tasks for Mixed CEFR-levels

Hubertus Weyer, M.A. Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Germany h.weyer@ostfalia.de Abstract In my lessons of Technical or Business English I regularly encounter groups of mixed abilities, ranging from B1 to C1, and one of the challenges is: how to even this out? This is where the necessity of self-study tasks comes in. Since BA programs…

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Developing ESP language skills in Business and Economics through business model simulations

Katriona Fraser and Rachel Lindner International Business Studies, University of Paderborn, Germany katriona.fraser@upb.de, rachel.lindner@upb.de Abstract In this paper, we outline the rationale, design and practicalities involved in setting up a business model generation course for students of International Business Studies (IBS) at the University of Paderborn (UPB). This learning scenario aims to help students develop…

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International Collaboration through International Collaboration

Henri Annala and Marianna Leikomaa Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland henri.annala@tamk.fi, marianna.leikomaa@tamk.fi Abstract The on-line course English Speaking and Listening has now been organised in Eliademy learning environment three times. The aim of the course is to enable already advanced students develop their English speaking skills even further. In addition, the students learn important…

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Suddenly, a Wild Collaboration Opportunity Appears!

Leikomaa Marianna and Tuohimäki Petri Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland marianna.leikomaa@tamk.fi, petri.tuohimaki@tamk.fi Abstract International collaboration between students does not always have to be a long and fully detailed operation. Sometimes ad hoc solutions work well and quickly! Two English teachers from Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland and an English teacher from Budapest Business…

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A Language Teacher´s Guide to a Successful Tandem Project – International Collaboration Online

Bachelart Alexis, PRCE Aix-Marseille Université, France alexis.bachelart@univ-amu.fr Uotila Suvi, MA and Vuorinen Paula, MA JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland suvi.uotila@jamk.fi, paula.vuorinen@jamk.fi Abstract The ability to communicate in English is a necessity in today’s world. A lot of this communication happens between non-native speakers using English as a lingua franca. To offer our students opportunities to…

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Promoting e-learning for students at technical faculties

Karolína Slamová, Ph.D.  and Andrea Wlochová, Ph.D. VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, the Czech Republic karolina.slamova@vsb.cz, andrea.wlochova@vsb.cz Abstract In this contribution we would like to share our experience in using e-learning materials to complement language teaching in technical English. The Department of Foreign Languages at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava offers six languages for students…

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