Innovation in Language Learning

At the Language Centre of the University of Cambridge, we currently teach 13 languages at up to five levels. The methodology applied to the teaching at lower levels can be best described as communicative and the syllabus is functional-notional. At higher levels, the focus shifts to explicit grammar teaching and the syllabus to more content and topic based. All courses are benchmarked against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and feature formal, summative and formative examinations in all four skills. Students who complete an advance level course are awarded a University certification.

Over the past five years, we have introduced courses that do not match such a rigid structure and are focused on cultural content (CLIL) as well as language competence. These are courses of Languages through Film and Literature.

Aimed at different levels of proficiency, they focus on oral target language communication and the development of discussion and argumentation skills within the context of a given culture and specific topic. Grammar is taught explicitly and within the context of prescribed texts and films. The students’ academic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds are varied (i.e. only half will speak English as their mother tongue) and their points of view challenging and conducive to vibrant exchanges of opinions.

The courses are delivered in a blended learning mode via a CamTools/Moodle VLE. Each course looks at up to seven feature films as well as literary works. Some of the films are available online, while others are available on DVD. All course materials, homework as well as a number of interactive, multimedia reading materials are available online.

In my presentation, I will showcase some of the relevant materials, the VLE and discuss the challenges and pedagogic merits of such an approach in the given educational context.