Here's a Story: Using Student Podcasts to Raise Awareness of Language Learning Strategies

“Here’s a Story”: Using Student Podcasts to Raise Awareness of Language Learning Strategies

Sally Ashton-Hay
Southern Cross University

Darren Brookes
Queensland University of Technology

Thirty-five years ago, Rubin’s (1975) landmark article entitled What the “Good Language Learner” Can Teach Us suggested that if more was known about what “successful learners” did, then those strategies could be taught to poorer learners to enhance learning (1975: 42). Since the publication of this article, language instruction has begun to encompass technological applications (Chinnery, 2006) through mobile-assisted language learning (MALL or m-learning) like podcasts. Podcasting extends the classroom, offers convenience for diverse learners, and provides authentic listening opportunities. Although the effects of podcasting in higher education have yet to be investigated (Educause, 2007), this paper describes how action research lead to the creation of an innovative individual learning webpage which combines peer role models, podcast technology and successful language learning strategies in higher education.

Twelve international students from eight cultural backgrounds recorded individual stories of how learning strategies assisted in overcoming English for Academic Purposes (EAP) study challenges. A student learning strategies web page was constructed on the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) where the podcasts, story transcripts and student photos are accessible any time. The use of audio and video online is not new but according to Rosell-Aguilar (2007: 481) providing stand-alone items for independent learning is an innovation. ‘Here’s a Story” is an action research project which was triggered by international student anxiety about tertiary study and how peer learning strategies could improve academic English. This paper will discuss the theory, rationale and procedure underpinning ‘Here’s a Story’,

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