‘Language Chunks’ Boost Language Retention

Learning a new language in ‘chunks’ of just 15 minutes at least four days a week at school is more effective at aiding retention than traditional once a week longer lessons, research shows.

Associate Professor Michiko Weinmann of Deakin’s Centre for Research for Educational Impact reviewed the Teachers as Co-learners (TCL) model for languages education. TCL is currently embedded at more than 130 schools in Victoria.

TCL was developed in response to sector wide challenges that make teaching a language other than English difficult in current classrooms settings, including educator concerns around a crowded curriculum and a lack of qualified language teaching staff.

Associate Professor Weinmann said under the TCL model, members of the community fluent in the target language are employed to support the teaching and learning of languages in partnership with usual classroom educators.

Lessons are also taught in short, regular 15-minute ‘language chunks’ as opposed to traditional 60-minute lesson formats. This helps to plug school staffing gaps, which are particularly problematic in regional areas. It also ensures languages content continues to be delivered in what is an increasingly difficult operating environment for teachers.

“Learning a language at school is incredibly important. It helps to foster transferrable skills, including positive risk taking, cultural literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving and improved communication," Associate Professor Weinmann said.

“Teachers told us in our research that the shorter lessons under TCL helped to address student cognitive overload, aided retention and made it easier for educators to integrate languages content into busy school days.

“We also found that TCL helps to foster student agency and leadership, as it encourages the appointment of student language ambassadors in the classroom who help to lead learning activities with their teachers and peers.”

Language assistants do not have formal educator training, but Associate Professor Weinmann said some had been inspired to pursue a formal qualification as language teachers after participating in the TCL program.

Read the full Deakin Teachers as Co-learners of languages report.