The Language Project: understanding how our students understand English and identifying differences in language to enable better communication in a learning setting.
In this session, participants will hear about emerging findings from a project being run with international students about language and the concepts embedded within language. The session will highlight how English words and concepts can shift in meaning when translated into another language; the session will also explore concepts that exist in other languages that are absent in English.
The material for this session has been derived from a series of semi-structured conversations and discussion groups with international students to try to understand if common terms such as “research”, “process”, “learning” and even “drawing” are understood in the way one would expect. We will also explore the ways that international students see the world through the lens of their own language, and consider how words embody cultural contexts and behaviours.
The session will be run by David Littlefield, course leader of MA Interior Architecture – which this year comprises students from 18 nations, who speak more than 26 languages between them. We will also have contributions from two of those students. Please come to the session to hear about what we are learning from this on-going project, and also to contribute your own experiences and observations.
Session outcomes:
By the end of the session, participants will have had an opportunity to:
- Hear about the ways that common English words and phrases are translated into other languages, and what students understand by them;
- Consider how staff might adjust their use of English to aid student understanding;
- Learn about concepts that are embedded in the languages of international students, but which are absent in English;
- Exchange ideas and experiences, and consider how this study might move forward and build a better understanding of how our students think in English.
Who should attend?
This session is designed for all teaching staff of UG and PG students – especially those with a large proportion of international students.
For those who are engaged in working towards Advance HE fellowship, the content of this workshop aligns with and supports the following dimensions of the Professional Standards Framework:
Areas of Activity (A) which demonstrate that you:
• A2 teach and/or support learning through appropriate approaches and environments
• A4 support and guide learners
• A5 enhance practice through own continuing professional development
Core Knowledge (K) which is needed to carry out the areas of activity:
• K1 how learners learn, generally and within specific subjects
• K2 approaches to teaching and/or supporting learning, appropriate for subjects and level of study
Professional Values (V) which show how you:
• V1 respect individual leaners and diverse groups of learners
• V2 promote engagement in learning and equity of opportunity for all to reach their potential
• V4 respond to the wider context in which higher education operates, recognising implications for practice