A research team from SLLL, composed of Dr Manuel Delicado Cantero, Dr Josh Brown and Dr Solène Inceoglu, has created a series of new online video resources for languages education.

The project was financed by an ANU Teaching Enhancement Grant, and follows the authors’ research into how languages can best be learned.

The main objective was not to create videos to attract students into language programs, as such videos already exist. Instead these videos are aimed at current and incoming students in our programs who need more guidance on how to improve their skills to be successful university language learners. Two consistent problems facing many first-year students are the mechanics of how learning is performed at university and the expectations of what and how to learn new material.

Based on the authors’ own research and teaching experience at ANU, they created a suite of ten, short videos, featuring the main aspects involved in language learning, what students learn and how, and how learning at university differs from high school.

The videos feature footage from actual language classes, interviews with current students and staff, and general study advice. Since the videos directly address the question of method in learning, their impact will also increase student autonomy and lead to more efficient use of time spent in class for both students and academic staff.

The video format is a fantastic way to help students acquire information about language learning, and can be easily shared. They are available for viewing on the SLLL website, as well as the ANU Experience YouTube channel.

Results from the project will be presented at an upcoming conference of the Languages and Cultures Network for Australian Universities later this year.