The handbook deals with non-formal language learning in Online Tandems. It gives information on how to start, assist and evaluate the learning process and stresses the importance of a tandem trainer or tutor. It documents research on learner strategies, code-switching, feedback and negotiation of meaning using transcripts of the tandem interaction.

This book provides a comprehensive critical account of tandem learning, charting it evolution from its origins in European educational settings to modern programs offering new perspectives on the approach’s role within higher education. Taking stock of the ways in which increased globalization has produced new linguistic and sociocultural realities, the volume begins by looking back at the development of tandem learning over the last several decades, growing out of a need to create more opportunities for L2 learners to communicate in their target language. The book then examines the different learning objectives and learning outcomes of tandem learning arrangements, moving toward a discussion of tandem learning’s potential role in shaping language policy and the unique challenges involved in implementing tandem programs at higher education institutions. The final section of the book brings the previous discussions together to consider new tools and technology and the ways in which they can better equip language educators to implement tandem learning in their own practice. Highlighting tandem learning’s potential to promote multilingual and multicultural learning on a global scale, this volume will be of particular interest to students and researchers in intercultural communication, language education, multilingualism, and applied linguistics.

This volume examines many of the complex issues regarding the language skills and professional competencies acquired by students studying Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) at universities in the United Kingdom and across Europe. It also outlines the innovative pedagogical strategies, methods, and resources employed by language academics to help graduates transition from university into the world of work through their MFL studies. These issues were discussed at the Professional Competencies in Language Learning and Teaching conference that took place on 12th-13th July 2018 at the University of Nottingham. The conference that was organised as a collaboration between the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Confucius Institute of the University of Nottingham brought together researchers, practitioners, employers, and experts working on 21st century professional competencies and language education.

The present volume collects papers from InnoConf18, which took place at the University of Liverpool in June 2018. The theme of the conference was ‘New trends in language teaching and learning at university’. The contributions collected here aim to reflect on best practice in the sector while at the same time capturing state-of-the-art language teaching and learning methodologies. The short papers in this peer-reviewed selection display examples of active learning and student empowerment across all levels of learning and demonstrate the benefits of maximising engagement through a creative and inspiring learning environment. We believe this volume will be of use to language teachers and practitioners in higher education and beyond.

Language education tends to require more face-to-face interaction and longer hours of both teaching and learning. The challenges of ensuring the future and development of the discipline, especially after a time of crisis, is equally unprecedented. A comprehensive overview of the global picture of best practices as well as research in recent times are needed in the field of language education, particularly in higher education settings. The changing nature of language education in terms of its policy, curriculum design, methodology, and innovation is an essential discussion to advance the field. It is critical to explore how a more collaborative, global, and interdisciplinary mindset, as well as technologically driven approaches have emerged through recent years and how it will continue to shape the future development in the field. Trends and Developments for the Future of Language Education in Higher Education captures the current trends and ongoing development within language education through a global picture of the best practices as well as the latest research on language education in higher education settings. The chapters cover changes in policy, curriculum design, methodology, and innovation in the modern language education landscape. While focusing on the current situation of language education and the changes that it has been undergoing, this book also provides information on future development and the overall outlook of language education. This book is ideal for teachers, instructional designers, curricula developers, inservice and preservice teachers, administrators, teacher educators, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students looking for an overview of the current position of language education in higher education.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learners of all ages have had to quickly adapt to learning through digital media as traditional ways of teaching become obsolete. Educators did not have a clear digital strategy in mind before the COVID-19 pandemic as they primarily relied on these traditional ways of teaching and disseminating knowledge. As phygital learning opportunities are emerging thanks to the growing EdTech economy, educators now have the opportunity to reform the school system, bringing in more innovation while reducing costs, broadening access to resources, and improving the quality of the teaching provision. EdTech Economy and the Transformation of Education is a cutting-edge reference that examines successful digital transformation in educational settings as well as the tools available to do so and the competencies and skills needed for the future. The book paves the way for phygital or blended long-term solutions. Covering a range of topics such as online education, learning processes, and digital transformation, this reference work is ideal for researchers, administrators, policymakers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, instructors, and students.

This collection of short papers is an outcome of the third conference on virtual exchange in higher education hosted by the Pedagogical University in Krakow in April 2018. Following the focus of the conference on virtual exchange in service of social inclusion and global citizenship, the papers collected in this volume offer first-hand insights into theoretical and practical considerations on the most recent stage of this rapidly developing form of learning. The publication will be of particular interest to academic educators, researchers, administrators, and mobility officers planning to implement virtual exchange in their unique academic contexts.