Learning Together
Our Teaching and Learning Philosophy
Our Language Centre at Warwick embraces a "classroom without walls" approach, providing a transformative learning experience that extends beyond conventional boundaries. Our teaching philosophy blends traditional and innovative methods, grounded in our extensive experience of what works well in language acquisition.
Learning beyond the classroom
We believe that language learning extends beyond the physical classroom. We create opportunities for students to engage with authentic language use in practical, everyday contexts by integrating digital tools for immersive and interactive learning, by connecting students with global communities through virtual exchanges and international collaborations, and by encouraging experiential learning through cultural events and task-based projects. This approach removes barriers, ensuring learning is dynamic, relevant and connected to the wider world.
A gateway to global citizenship
While mastering grammar and vocabulary is essential, we see language learning as a gateway to global citizenship, enabling students to engage meaningfully with others, adapt to new environments and broaden their perspectives.
Shaping thought and interaction
Beyond acquiring a skill, learning a language also shapes how we think and interact with the world.
Our transformative approach cultivates critical thinking through cultural and social exploration, promotes intercultural competence by guiding students to navigate diverse cultural contexts with sensitivity and confidence and fosters autonomy by encouraging them to take an active role in their learning and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.
Personalised, learner-centred support
Through structured learning and participation in diverse projects and initiatives, students develop the ability to communicate effectively across cultures while gaining a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness.
We work closely with our students, getting to know them as individuals and supporting their growth both academically and personally. With this learner-centred approach, we empower students to navigate multilingual and multicultural environments with confidence, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
Virtual Exchanges
International Virtual Exchange between Warwick and Chinese universities (Shanghai Jiaotong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Qingdao University and Beijing Normal University).
Students are paired with a partner or in a small group to meet online, complete activities and a collaborative project together and present their project in the end of the exchange. Students get the Certificate of Participation with logos of the two universities and A HEAR report
We run virtual exchange programmes and speaking clubs encourage cross-cultural cooperation with students in China or other countries or with other Chinese students on campus to encourage.
Conversation club
Arabic Beginners LDS have established WhatsApp Group for practising speaking skills and exchanging ideas and useful websites.
Also, for Arabic Beginners LDS, Arabic 3 (optional and LDS) and Arabic 4 (optional and LDS), we have used AI for learning purposes and for enhancing reading and writing skills. The main platform used is DiffitLink opens in a new window.
We are planning to establish a virtual exchange with the University of Rabat, Morocco. The director of the Language Centre will be visiting Warwick 10-12 July and we will discuss the exchange with him.
Learning a language through film
Arabic 4 (optional and LDS) have been exposed to a variety of films touching on social, political and cultural aspects of the Arab World. These films have either Arabic subtitles or English subtitles. These led to discussions among students and raised some questions which enhanced their understanding. A sample of these are the links opposite.
There were also poetry reading sessions, particularly on one the most famous Syrian poets Nizar Qabbani who is known as the poet of love, women and politics.
On the issue of women rights and how women are perceived in the Arab World, two films were shown and discussed: one about Nawal Al-Saadawi, a feminist, and another called “Wajda” demonstrating the struggle of women against the patriarchal society.
Community projects
Arabic students at Warwick have been working to support immigrants at the Coventry Refugee CentreLink opens in a new window.
Competitions
In June 2023, Amie (启月), a first-year language degree student, participated in the 22nd ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for University Students – UK Regional Final. ‘Chinese Bridge’ is an international language and cultural competition for non-Chinese students, organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. It aims to promote Chinese language learning and cultural understanding, and consists of three components: Chinese Language Proficiency, Cultural Knowledge, and Talent and Creativity.
Through thorough preparation and dedicated effort, Amie won three awards in the non-professional category: Most Popular Contestant, Most Eloquent Contestant, and 2023 Ambassador of Chinese Culture and Tourism Promotions in the UK. That same year, she was also named the Chongqing Tourism Promotion Ambassador for the year 2023–2024 and was invited to Chongqing to give a speech at the 2023 Chongqing International Travel Business Conference.
Read about Amie’s personal experience on the School of Modern Languages and Cultures blog.
Cultural projects
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
The Spring Festival, known as Chinese New Year outside China, is the most important festival in the Chinese community - and it’s back at Warwick Language Centre! Join us for student performances, food, games, and a calligraphy workshop to welcome the Year of the Horse.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Warwick Arts Centre, in collaboration with the Chinese team at SMLC and Connecting Cultures, proudly presented Can’t Help Thinking of Her, a captivating concert celebrating the Chinese Dragon Festival.
Featuring violinist Prof. Yuxi Liu (Central Conservatory of Music, China) and pianist/composer Yuanfan Yang (Royal Academy of Music, London), the performance was hailed for its fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, blending classical Chinese elegance with modern Western enthusiasm.
Calligraphy Workshop
We run calligraphy workshops each year for students to do hand on calligraphy practice to learn more about Chinese characters and Chinese arts as well as understanding the Chinese culture.
Understanding culture through translating ancient Chinese poems
We give the students chance to understand culture through translating ancient Chinese poems.
Discover cultural meanings embedded in Chinese and English poetry
英汉诗歌翻译中的文化
Students gained an in-depth understanding of Chinese culture from a fresh perspective.
Our SMLC Students of Chinese have performed poem reading at Resonate Festival on 20 April, 2022.
Student-led language taster sessions
Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Russian
A group of SMLC students studying Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic gave a taster language class to fellow SMLC students and other university students. The students created their own teaching materials to teach essential phrases as well as writing scripts.
Arabic
Social event in class during which students became acquainted with food culture and participated in making recipes (tabboula, homous, etc)
