Innovation in Language Learning

This project is based on six years of practice with students from my Department who are studying for a BA in Hispanic Studies.  This paper focuses on the important influence that Modern Languages Departments at University level have upon students to identify and implement, through theatre,techniques, connections, continuity and fluidity between the various subjects (not only language) that students are exploring in their studies.  We need to make sure our students can make comparisons and create parallels between those subjects, in this way developing their critical skills.  This presentation will show with examples the stages students go through in order to produce a play, Eg: selecting the play, reading-understanding, modifying and rewriting some passages, change-delete-incorporate new ideas, translate, move the text, use the voice and body, being creative within academia, helping each other (first, second and fourth year studentsall participate in this project) and working together as a team. With a project like this students eliminate the fear of talking in front of people, we help them to express their opinions and to overcome the panic that goes with speaking a foreign language and making mistakes.  With a project like this, tutors have to hard-wire into their methodology the concept that we have to welcome errors;we can learn from our mistakes if we celebrate them and don’t allow them/society to push our ideas and creativity down.  Through theatre activities, games and laughter students who have joined this project have improved their ‘gravitas’ / presence, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills and group work. The most important things we can teach to our undergraduates is the understanding that what they learn in Language Departments is not isolated; all subjects are part of a continuum and are interconnected; and Theatre is the medium that can help them experience the universal nature of everything they have learned.

Keywords: Linguistic and Cultural Bridge, Theory and Practise, Continuum Understanding, Connection, Welcoming the Error; Holistic Approach;