Can learning apps REALLY support language learning? The research may be surprising - Shawn Loewen

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"How do we make research meaningful for the classroom? What really helps students acquire grammar? Can apps ACTUALLY support second language learning?"

These are some of the questions we tackled in our conversation with Dr. Shawn Loewen. 

Shawn Loewen is Professor of Second Language Studies at Michigan State University, where he directs the doctoral program in SLS. His research focuses on instructed second language acquisition, the research-practice gap, and mobile-assisted language learning. He is the author of several influential books and serves as associate editor of The Modern Language Journal.

His new book, "Edited Volume in Instructed SLA" is out now. 

 

In our discussion, we dive into:

• whether the explicit vs implicit debate matters
• if people can actually learn languages on "those apps"
• pattern recognition and why some learners “just get it”
• task-based language teaching vs. Instructed SLA
• why most institutions don't really know what their approach to learning is 
• leveraging AI and technology for learning 
• bridging the gap between researchers and teachers
• the limits and potential of communicative language teaching

 

FOR MORE FROM DR. SHAWN LOEWEN:

1. His book "Edited Volume in Instructed SLA"

2. Connect on LinkedIn

3. His publications 

4. His website

 

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