Language learning support
 |
If you feel you need any sort of help with your
language learning, this page should provide you with some useful
pointers as to where to find it. |
The information is subdivided as follows:
At the start of your studies, you will have been allocated a
personal supervisor within the department. They are there to help
you with any study-related matters, including your language
learning and Personal Development Planning (PDP). They will also be
able to advise you on where to find additional support, should you
require it.
- The Language Learning Advisory
Service
One additional source of support is the Language Learning
Advisory Service, which aims to promote more effective
language learning, so whatever language(s) you are
learning, make the most of the service!
The Language Learning Advisers can help you to:
- Find out about the Language Learning
Centre (LLC)
- Start a self-study programme in any of the languages for
which there are resources
- Find out which resources are most appropriate for you
- Consider your own language learning needs
- Monitor your learning progress
- Find out how to use a particular resource or piece of
equipment
- Gain general or specific advice on language learning
strategies
- Organise a tandem learning programme
- Access specific learning support if you have a disability
For more information, click here.
- Disability tutor for Modern Languages
One of the advisers, Judy Jowers, is also the Department's
disability tutor. Her role is to provide support to students
experiencing difficulties with disability or health-related issues.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with her for a confidential chat
(Ferens building - room 128 or tel. 01482 465852) or alternatively
you could send her an e-mail J.M.Jowers@hull.ac.uk
One specific learning difficulty that is experienced by a fair
few students is dyslexia. For some useful hints and tips relating
to dyslexia and learning a foreign language, click here.
Opportunities
for language practice outside the classroom
If you are interested in a tandem learning programme, simply
complete a yellow application form (remembering to read and sign
the Charter agreement on the reverse) from the tray on the
Language Learning Centre Reception Desk (or download it here), leave
it with the Receptionist and wait. The Language Learning
Advisers will do their best to find a partner for you, but
unfortunately, this is NOT always possible. Only when a partner is
found, will you be contacted by email with all the details you
need.
E-mail tandem learning is
an alternative way of working with a native speaker (information
based at the University of Bochum, Germany). For some languages,
on-line tandem partnerships organised by the Advisory Service may
also be available. Please see notices in the Centre in relation to
this.
- Drop-in speaking sessions
Subject to the availability of volunteer native speakers, set
times for informal Drop-in speaking practice for various
languages are arranged. These take place in one of
the group rooms at the rear of the Language Learning Centre
and you can prearrange a session or just drop-in, providing no-one
else has booked. There are two booking diaries at Reception, one
for each room. Details of sessions can be found on notice boards as
well as at Reception. The aim is to give you a short time to
practise whatever aspect of your spoken language you need to work
on - pronunciation of new vocabulary, giving a presentation,
mastering a particular sound etc.
Of course, this scheme relies on the willingness of native
speakers to volunteer to run these speaking sessions. Whether you
are a native speaker of English or another language offered by the
Department, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable
'teaching' experience. Therefore, do get in touch with the
Language Learning Advisers if you would like to
volunteer!
- Tours of the Language Learning Centre and
workshops
Towards the beginning of each semester, we offer induction tours
to the Language Learning Centre. For more information on when they
take place and to book a place, come to the reception
area, situated within the LLC or check this site.
Throughout the year, we also run workshops on specific areas of
language learning. Topics include:
- Improving your listening skills
- Making the most of the news
- Using the Internet for language learning
- Understanding grammar
- Vocabulary building and memory strategies
These workshops will be advertised throughout the Department on
departmental notice boards, or you can click here for an overview of what's on offer this
semester. If there is any area that you would like to see covered,
please contact us at langadvising@hull.ac.uk
Resources
- Language Learning Advice
Leaflets
Coming soon...
The following list of online
resources (organised by language) is by no means exhaustive, but
does constitute a useful starting point for your online
explorations. All resources are 'tried and tested', i.e. frequently
used by your fellow students and/or recommended by staff. The
languages listed are those currently offered by the
Department, at degree level and/or as Passport modules.