Can a kitchen teach languages? Linking theory and practice in the design of context-aware language learning environments

Abstract

Smart learning environments offer rich opportunities for language learners. In particular, context-aware systems which allow learners' progress to be sensed within and across an activity, enable instructed language learning to move beyond the traditional confines of the classroom walls. In this paper we present the European Kitchen, a real-world task-based environment for cooking and language learning. In doing so, we demonstrate how specific design decisions, in the development of this longer-term iterative design project, conjoin Human Computer Interaction practice and learning theory for situated language learning. We also show how this approach is combined with Conversation Analysis, which is used as a tool to measure the impact of these decisions on the interactions taking place in and with the kitchen. Our work reveals that in order to design for and evaluate effective and meaningful language learning, there should be more balance between technologically-driven theory and theory driven research which has a strong pedagogical foundation. Our work has implications for a transferable, interdisciplinary model of task-based, situated learning which can be applied and adapted to different skill and knowledge sets.

Mobile‐based collaborative learning in the fitness center: A case study on the development of English listening comprehension with a context‐aware application

“…Further, the mean difference between the posttest and delayed test was 7.58, which indicated that the participants still retained and retrieved the information they had learned 2 weeks after the posttest. This finding confirms those reported by several previous studies that situating students in real‐world contexts with ubiquitous supports via mobile and wireless communication technologies can encourage them to learn and practice actively and constantly, and hence improve their learning outcomes, in particular for language learning (Liu et al, ; Preston et al, ; Wong, King, Chai, & Liu, ). The results of the pretest, posttest and delayed test differed significantly, F (2,107) = 34.761, p <.001.…”

Orientation to Language Learning Over Time: A Case Analysis on the Repertoire Addition of a Lexical Item

“…Our data originate from the European Union‐funded research and developmental project Learning Languages, Cultures and Cuisines in Digital Interactive Kitchens (LanCook; see Kurhila & Kotilainen, 2020; Preston et al., 2015; Seedhouse, 2017). The LanCook ‘kitchen’ contains a computer program and motion sensors.…”

Os Sentidos da formação narrativas de professores de inglês sobre suas experiências de ensino e aprendizagem

“…Com relação ao sentido do tato, podemos citar pesquisas e trabalhos sobre aspectos mais sinestésicos da aprendizagem de línguas, como o ensino de vocabulário por meio de atividades lúdicas que envolvem esse e outros sentidos (ver, por exemplo, AJAYI, 2018; HELLMAN, 2018). E até mesmo o paladar tem sido pesquisado nas salas de aula de aprendizagem de línguas por meio de aulas práticas de culinária e degustação como parte da prática dos alunos (ver, nesse caso, FELDER;HENRIQUES, 1995;PRESTON et al, 2015). No entanto, na opinião do pesquisador, o olfato ainda é um dos sentidos humanos que carece de pesquisas sobre aprendizagem de línguas a ele relacionadas.…”