Innovation in Language Learning

In this presentation, I examine the role of study skills, collaborative learning, and out-of-class learning in two online courses: a Finnish language course and a study skills course. I will describe how these courses have been designed to support the practice of study skills and collaborative learning methods in a way that supports language learning in and outside of the online classroom. The aim of the courses is to provide students with study skills and knowledge of Finnish language and culture, enabling them to integrate more smoothly into a new society. The courses are part of The University Pathway Finland programme, where students prepare for degree studies in Finland while studying from home.

Learning a new foreign language online from home can be demanding for learners. Online language learners may not yet have access to the same language resources as students who are in the target country and exposed to the target language daily. It is therefore important that online language courses make extensive use of authentic digital materials. To make these authentic resources meaningful learning tools, the courses should also provide students with strategies and meta-skills for language learning, fostering students' autonomy and thus their well-being. Study skills, such as time management, play an important role in achieving this.

In this presentation, I will give an overview of these two courses and explain how the course design, assessment, and course assignments, such as oral discussions, learning diaries and portfolios, are designed to support study skills practice, group learning, and language learning. The aim was to design the courses so that the contents of both courses support each other, even if one of the courses does not focus solely on language learning. I will also discuss successes, challenges, and future areas for improvement. Key principles in language course design include learner agency and situational and thematic learning, which are emphasized in the Kielibuusti project that develops Finnish and Swedish language teaching in Finland. Both the University Pathway Finland programme and the Kielibuusti project are part of the national Talent Boost programme, which aims to promote the integration of international talent in Finland.