Since joining the World of Better Learning team this summer, I have enjoyed discovering the wealth of content available on the blog from all around the world. From the Better Learning Conference in June and our Word Cup in July to the launch of the Learn English with Cambridge YouTube competition in October, there has been no shortage of highlights! It was tricky to narrow down my selection but here are my top posts from 2018:
Using near-peer role models for language learning by Jade Blue
In this article, Jade Blue looks at the importance of near-peer models when learning a language. As someone who studied languages and lived in Germany, I enjoyed reading about Jade’s experiences of learning German and who she aspired to be like in her language ability – what is known as an ‘ideal L2 self’. Jade describes this as a mental image relating to a learner’s sense of identity in the second language and something that can be a powerful motivator in learning. But what are the implications of this for classroom practice and how can you encourage learners to identify near-peer role models? Read the article to find out!
Promoting wellbeing in the teenage classroom by Nicola Morgan
I found the article by Nicola Morgan, a wellbeing and learning expert, on the negative effects of stress very interesting. Wellbeing in schools is a subject that has received a lot of media attention in the UK this year due to rising mental health problems in both children and teachers. Finding ways to alleviate stress has therefore never been more critical. Here Nicola examines the negative effects of stress on the teenage brain and demonstrates how it directly impacts performance. So how can you boost wellbeing in your classroom? Nicola shares her 10 top tips.
Rabia Nasimi on language and identity
Escaping the Taliban at the age of five to studying for a PhD at Cambridge: Rabia Nasimi’s journey is a fascinating one. Her story really emphasises the power of learning of language and demonstrates how it can open up so many doors. In the interview she talks about the importance of role models when encouraging people to learn English and says that having someone with a similar background who has overcome similar hurdles to speak English at a high level is the best form of encouragement. Check out the interview to see what you can learn from Rabia and her understanding of language and identity.
What I learned at the Better Learning Conference 2018 by Matthew Ellman
I enjoyed reading Matthew Ellman’s takeaways from the Better Learning Conference 2018. I joined the World of Better Learning team for the packed three-day conference in Cambridge, which brings together educational professionals from around the world to discuss topical issues and share knowledge, ideas and expertise. In this article Matthew talks enthusiastically about the conference and its broad outlook: the opportunity to share ideas which can be applied to teaching and learning in a wide range of contexts, all of them grounded in research or experimental practice. What were his other takeaways – and how can you use these to encourage better learning in your classroom? Read the article to find out.
Underdogs, curses and ‘Neymaresque’ histrionics: what’s got us talking during this year’s World Cup?
World Cup fever gripped England, and indeed the world, between June and July this year with viewers eagerly following their teams through the highs and lows of the competition. The Language Research Team here in Cambridge were hard at work mining over 12 million words of media coverage to analyse the language used when discussing the various teams. As we know, there were no shortage of surprises – something that was clear in the language data. Which team do you think the word ‘formidable’ was associated with? Read the article and see how you can bring sport psychology into the language learning classroom!
If you want to read more of our favourite articles then please check out Megan’s A year in review – Part 5 in which she shares her 2018 highlights from the World of Better Learning.