How will you learn?

• Active learning

  Language learning at IWLP is not a spectator' sport. From day one your tutor will encourage you to participate and engage in the activities that take place in class (reading, writing and discussing). Often these activities take the form of problem-solving exercises, cooperative student projects, informal group work, simulations, case studies, and role playing, all of which involve higher order thinking and the development of transferable graduate-level skills. Classes will be conducted in the target language (the language you are learning) from very early on, in order to maximize your contact with the language.

• Small groups

  You will learn in a small group, usually no more than 18-20 students in any one class, an optimum scenario for effective language learning. Your teacher will soon get to know your needs and learning styles and will be able to advise you on the most effective ways of improving your language. You will get to know your fellow students, the atmosphere in the class will be relaxed and conducive to learning, ideal for creating supportive and motivating networks with students from different year groups, courses and nationalities.

• Intercultural competence

  Intercultural competence is the ability to communicate successfully with people of other cultures, which stems from 'the appreciation that people from different cultural backgrounds have different cultural norms, practices and expectations'[i] . The IWLP curriculum links language proficiency to the development of intercultural competence right from the outset, enabling you to become an effective communicator in a multicultural environment.

  
  

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  [i] Dorn, G. and Cavalieri-Koch, A. (2005) Intercultural Skills. A Guide to working with other cultures, CILT, The National Centre for Languages, p.3.

• Independent learning

  Independent learning, inside and outside the classroom, is crucial for successful language learning. From day one your tutor will suggest ways for you to build and strengthen your study skills specifically for language learning and how to maintain your motivation for study. You will be encouraged to reflect on what you learn and how you do it, in order to maximize your potential and overcome barriers. As a result, not only will you  be successful in your learning and gain satisfaction and success from it today, but you will have further developed yourself as, what we call, a 'lifelong learner', with potential to continue learning well beyond the IWLP experience.

• Multimedia classrooms and the Self-Access Language Centre (SACLL)

  Multimedia classrooms

  Many IWLP classes take place in dedicated multimedia classrooms where PCs with internet access, high quality speakers and electronic whiteboards enable the students to enjoy a fully interactive and motivating learning environment .

   

  SACLL

  You will find the spacious Self-Access Language Centre (situated on the second floor of the HumSS Building Room 230) a supportive and motivating environment in which to develop and practise your language skills. Open to all members of the University from 9 am to 5pm, the Self-Access Centre is particularly suitable to IWLP students who want to develop their language proficiency outside the classroom. It is an ideal place to work on your assignments, thanks to the number of dictionaries and reference books at hand. You can watch films or television in your chosen language, or read newspapers, magazines and books. Beginner students will find graded books and audiobooks, to help them to develop their reading and listening skills. More resources are available on-line through the SACLL website. Your tutor will be able to advise you on how to make the most of the Self-Access Centre, depending on your needs. You are encouraged to make the most of this excellent resource.