Journal Article

Engaging with the world: Applying connected learning in a university language learning context

York, James

2023

Overview

This article introduces an empirical study of “Connected Learning” in a Japanese EFL classroom context, instantiated through the Bridging Activities pedagogical framework. Students considered their interests, made groups, and joined Reddit communities. Self‐selected texts were then analyzed with rigorous teacher mediation. Students participated by creating Reddit posts and several presentations detailing their text analysis and participation. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from these presentations and questionnaires. Findings revealed that students in this context focused predominantly on gaming and anime communities, and participated multimodally using text, images, videos, and polls. Regarding language learning, attention was paid to cultural similarities and differences, vocabulary, acronyms, and slang. Student perceptions were positive, with 96% of students considering the topics covered appropriate to their future language needs. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in intercultural communication with target language users was considered novel, meaningful, and empowering. Pedagogical implications of using public websites in FL instruction and future research ideas are discussed. The Challenge Although Connected Learning has gained attention as a contemporary and learner‐focused educational philosophy, it is still infrequently utilized in foreign language teaching settings. How can we teach languages from a Connected Learning perspective? What tools are available? What do students learn? This article presents empirical data from student projects, highlighting practical pedagogical considerations for implementing Connected Learning in foreign language instruction.

• Publisher: Wiley,American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
• Subject: 21st century / Acronyms / Citizen Participation / Classroom communication / Classrooms / College Curriculum / College Students / Communicative Competence (Languages) / Community Relations / Computer Mediated Communication / computer‐assisted language learning / Cooperative Learning / Cultural Differences / Cultural Influences / Data / Discourse Analysis / Educational Practices / English (Second Language) / English as a second language instruction / English Language Learners / Ethnic Diversity / Foreign Countries / Higher education / Intercultural Communication / Interest groups / Internet / Language / Language acquisition / Learning / Learning environment / Learning Processes / Literature Reviews / Mediation / Monolingualism / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Multimedia / Participation / Pedagogy / Peers / Perceptions / Polls & surveys / Pragmatics / Second Language Learning / Slang / Social Media / Social networks / Sociocultural Patterns / Speech Acts / Student attitudes / Student Development / Student Interests / Student teacher relationship / Students / Teachers / Teaching / Teaching Methods / Text analysis / Virtual communities / Vocabulary