Language Learning is one skill which has been constantly been in demand.
In the past few years what we have observed is that the ways students can acquire this skill have been transformed to be made available across the globe. Be it the web tools, apps or the language institutes that are helping students across the globe get a hold of another language they wish to learn. Language learning technology is also on the rising demand as educators explore the best way to overcome the barriers some people experience when trying to learn a language.
“Learning a foreign language not only reveals how other societies think and feel, what they have experienced and value, and how they express themselves, it also provides a cultural mirror in which we can more clearly see our own society.” ‒ Chancellor Edward Lee Gorsuch
Language training requires a change in the fast-paced futuristic reality we live in. the old ways of teaching will no longer cater in the times we are living and needs to be transformed. To make the foreign language training strategy more efficient, one should strive towards providing the latest learning trends, in an encouraging and inspirational atmosphere, where students will be able to soak up new knowledge.
Listed below are some language learning trends that you must know in order to pace up you language game!
1. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning is the new thing in the language learning. Players like DuoLingo, Bussu, Voxy and more are making a mark in the industry and setting an example for the upcoming startups. The benefit of mobile learning i.e. the ease, greater reach and accessibility is what making it a go to approach. Leveraging the power of technology and considering the smartphone market it is one of the biggest trends in the language learning industry at present and will be leading in the next decade as well.
2. Constant Feedback
Constant feedback is important as it allows students to stay on track and make the necessary improvements in order to achieve better results. Trainers are encouraged to provide various types of assessment tests to not only understand how students are performing, but also to find new ways to help them reach a better outcome. It is a crucial aspect for acquiring knowledge of a particular language that doesn’t come naturally to oneself. Technology again is playing an important role here. Various web tools allow educators to give individual feedback in no time making it easier for students to work on the areas that demand more attention.
Feedback, as a part of learning path is extremely important, that’s why many companies put emphasis exactly on that.
3. Gamification
Gamification improves engagement level and makes students learn better as the “fun” element is present throughout. Platforms like Duolingo and MindSnack are being able to use gamification to engage learners and make language learning effective for them. Gamification takes a lot of creativity, imagination. However, this method has been proven by companies like Bravolol and FluentU as one of the most efficient ways to help students grasp new concepts.
4. Personalized and Adaptive
Every person has individual learning needs and learners want content tailored as per their needs. Considering this, companies catering to the language learning strive towards staying abreast of the latest technology and various trends to ensure that the students’ individual needs and learning capabilities are uniquely met. Voxy is one of the early movers in this space, adding an educational layer to news articles and pop culture.
Other aspect to this is adaptiveness. Acknowledging that all learners are different and have different pace, styles of learning they continue to learn differently throughout the program. Therefore, language learning products need to adapt to the progress of each individual learner, from reinforcing weak points to accelerating topics that are known already or mastered quickly.
5. Social Language Learning
Social learning is one important concept in the coming time. As we lead to a socially engaged time that is connected virtually learning in the same environment is obvious. HelloTalk and HiNative are have leveraged this technology in efficient ways. Language learning is best with the natives. Connecting and being able to explore about the language from the natives give a real feel and the learning is at its best in such settings. Social learning plays an important role here and will be seen as one of the growing trend in the future.
The growing likeability of millennials towards learning new languages will evolve the way the skill is being practices and the community will witness fast changes in the sector.
Are you a lingoholic? What are your views on the language learning trends? What can be the next big thing?