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  5. Language learning and teaching

Language learning and teaching

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Language learning and teaching is a key topic in the Language and Literacies Research Cluster within the Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET). In today’s globalised world, language learning and teaching is increasing in importance. The research in this area focuses on language learning in a range of contexts (primary, secondary, vocational, higher education and in independent learning) and in different settings (formal, non-formal and informal, in the classroom, online and at a distance). Researchers use sociocultural and cognitive approaches, and qualitative and quantitative methods to research, e.g. multimodal classroom discourses, task design in online settings, motivation of independent learners.
 

Qualifications available:

PhD. See also our Master of Research (MRes) and our Doctorate in Education (EdD)

Fees:

For detailed information on current fees visit Fees and funding.

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 or (equivalent)

Potential research projects

  • The application of new technologies to language learning
  • The professional and language development of language teachers (particularly of English teachers in development contexts)
  • Translation and first language use in language teaching
  • Independent language learning and learner autonomy
  • Culture and language learning
  • Interaction and collaboration in language learning
  • Task design
  • Assessment, feedback and self-assessment
  • Affect and motivation
  • The role of emotions in speaking online
  • Strategies in language learning

Current / recent research projects

  • A study of an online reading group: English language teachers’ perceptions of the roles of reading and discussing literature in English in the construction of their professional identity
  • Impact on the knowledge construction process of multimodal online interactions in audio-graphic conferencing systems: the case of adult distance learners of French
  • Emotion in online distance language learning: learners’ appraisal of regret and pride in synchronous audiographic conferencing
  • Social presence in online multimodal communication: a framework to analyse online interactions between language learners

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:
Mrs Anne Foward
Email:
creet-student-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)1908 655364

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under ‘Your questions’ on the right of the page.

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