Its good to talk. Reflections on the relationship between language and non-language learning

Ottewill, Roger and Drew, Fiona (2003) Its good to talk. Reflections on the relationship between language and non-language learning. Active Learning in Higher Education, 4 (2), 181-192. (doi:10.1177/1469787403004002006).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Traditionally, language and non-language learning in higher education have been treated as separate and distinct. Arguably, however, this has been thrown into question with the advent and expansion of institution-wide language programmes (IWLPs). These provide students, from any discipline, with opportunities for broadening their competencies by developing communication skills in a foreign language. Their existence, however, raises issues concerning the relationship between languages and other disciplines. This paper summarises the reflections on such issues, informed by semi-structured interviews. They suggest that more should be done to help IWLP students develop learning strategies in which greater recognition is given to opportunities for cross-fertilisation between language learning and other components of their learning experience. There should also be closer co-operation between linguists and non-linguists in areas such as staff development, team teaching and education research.

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