Abstract
This paper discusses a community engagement program for language students offered at Flinders University. For a few years now, the Language in Action program has provided placement opportunities for language students in a range of community settings such as aged-care agencies and cultural associations. From an educational perspective, Language in Action draws from experiential
learning, and in particular, from the Deep Approach to World Language Education, an approach that places students in charge of their learning experience and promotes meaningful interactions with communities. The program is designed to encourage students' prosocial behaviour, in order to facilitate their pursuit of 'doing good' in the community, by establishing social connections with migrant groups while improving their language and intercultural skills in near immersion settings. This paper focuses on developing a framework for language placements. It also outlines the placement experiences of language students (Modern Greek, Italian, Spanish and Indonesian) in different contexts. It presents the rationale of the Language in Action program in light of some core educational principles. It discusses the program's implementation and reports on students' experiences.
learning, and in particular, from the Deep Approach to World Language Education, an approach that places students in charge of their learning experience and promotes meaningful interactions with communities. The program is designed to encourage students' prosocial behaviour, in order to facilitate their pursuit of 'doing good' in the community, by establishing social connections with migrant groups while improving their language and intercultural skills in near immersion settings. This paper focuses on developing a framework for language placements. It also outlines the placement experiences of language students (Modern Greek, Italian, Spanish and Indonesian) in different contexts. It presents the rationale of the Language in Action program in light of some core educational principles. It discusses the program's implementation and reports on students' experiences.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Event | Languages - Keys To Global Connections: 21st AFMLTA International Languages Conference - Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 6 Jul 2017 → 8 Jul 2017 https://afmlta.asn.au/2017-conference-page/ (Conference page, including links to papers and program.) |
Conference
Conference | Languages - Keys To Global Connections |
---|---|
Abbreviated title | 2017 AFMLTA Conference |
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Gold Coast |
Period | 6/07/17 → 8/07/17 |
Other | With the increase of intolerance and intercultural incomprehension, now more than ever developing learners’ capabilities in additional languages and intercultural sensitivity is important for the ongoing wellbeing of our global society. The 21st AFMLTA International Languages Conference, was held on the beautiful Gold Coast, offering a iwo-day exploration of current issues and new trends in languages education. |
Internet address |
|
Keywords
- Conference abstract
- Flinders University
- Language in Action program
- Deep Approach to World Language Education
- language placement
- placement opportunities