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Database of Teaching Sources

A database of selected, reviewed, tested, assessed and validated e-learning based language teaching sources addressed to Higher education students for the learning of 18 different European languages.

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A Living Language / Dzīvā valoda

Date of Publication

-

Target Group

Students

Domain Area

Arts & Music
Business & Communication
International Relations
Journalism & multimedia
Tourism

Learning Scenario

Autonomous learning
Classroom Context

Target Language

Latvian

Language of Instruction

Any language

CEFR level

A1
A2
B1
B2
C1

Type of Material

Reference resources (online Dictionaries/ grammar guides/phrasebooks)

Linguistic Features

Vocabulary
Pragmatics

Skills

Listening
Reading

Description

This is a collection of authentic texts covering 8 major topics. Each of the topics contains over ten authentic texts that can be listened to and read as a transcript. Spoken language forms are highlighted and their explanations are provided, as well as the standard form. The resource has been designed for learners with the language level ranging from A to C (I would recommend B level) and is suitable for both independent listening practice and work under teacher’s supervision.

Case study

The resource has been used successfully in B1 and B2 level classes when the appropriate level of grammar has already been attained and deviations from the norm may be discussed in greater detail. The range of topics is wide, so it is possible to integrate one text into almost any lecture. It should be borne in mind that these are authentic texts, and hence have a lot of ellipses, repetitions and the rate of speech is often quite fast.
One of the ways to apply this resource in the classroom could be the following one: students listen to the recorded authentic conversation in the chosen topic and discuss the content of it (what they were able to understand). Then a teacher can present a printed version of the dialogue, analyze the peculiarities of the spoken language with the students, compare the authentic dialogues to the ones in the textbook.
For example, while revising the topic about family, a teacher can engage students in a natural conversation. There are given 11 examples of spoken language conversations related to the mentioned topic. All of them are of different lengths, therefore, they can be listened to and analized together in the classroom as well as given for homework. However, the best way is to work together in the classroom: listen to the conversation twice, elicit the plot lines understood by the students, then analyze the script of the dialogue with the focus on the cases of the ellipse, repetitions, etc.

Guidelines

The range of topics is wide, so it is possible to integrate one text into almost any lecture. It should be borne in mind that these are authentic texts, and hence have a lot of ellipses, repetitions and the rate of speech is often quite fast.

Review

Category
Rate
Comprehensive approach
Capacity to match the needs of lecturers and students

4

Added value
The provided tangible improvements

3

Motivation enhancement
The capacity to motivate students to improve their language skills

3

Innovation
Effectiveness in introducing innovative, creative and previously unknown approaches to LSP learning

5

Transferability
Measurement of the transferable potential and possibility to be a source of further capitalisation/application for other language projects in different countries

4

Skills assessment and validation
Availability of appropriate tools for lecturers to monitor students’ progress and for students to assess own progress and to reflect on learning

1

Adaptability
Flexibility of the contents and possibilities for the LSP lecturers to adapt the contents to their and to students’ need

2

Usability
Assess the technical usability from the point of view of the lecturer and the student

5

Accessibility
Assess the accessibility from the point of view of the lecturer and the student

5

Comments:
There are innumerous ways of how the resource may be used. For example, several listening assignments may be integrated into a traditional lecture plan, or one of the topics may be given as a homework assignment.
All the instructions and explanations are presented in Latvian, therefore, a target user of A level might need some help. Therefore, the best way of applying the resource is in the presence of a language teacher.
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