Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities for Language Learners

Through a blend of research findings, program examples, lesson plans, and survey questionnaires, the authors offer first-hand accounts of how community-based, experiential learning enhanced the goals of their language learning programs. The broad coverage of issues and topics, spanning kindergarten through higher education, make this a useful volume, not just for language educators, but for all educators interested in strengthening students’ capacities to act 'glocally' in multilingual contexts.

* Andrew Furco, University of Minnesota, USA *

This essential volume represents a seminal collection by leading scholars in experiential learning as it covers a diversity of topics and languages, divided into three critical areas of practice: community engagement experiences, professional engagement experiences and less common contexts such as language camps and houses. It is a unique contribution, which will be a welcome and useful resource to scholars, faculty and graduate students all over the world. This is certainly a 'must-have'.

* Lourdes Sánchez-López, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA *

[This book] presents the reader with a well-balanced look at many forms of experiential learning. For educators or administrators thinking of starting their own programs, this book could provide them with a useful road map to follow and capitalize on the experience of other practitioners. Taken as a whole, this book presents a convincing argument for why experiential learning should be incorporated into language classes because of the benefits to both service providers and service receivers.

-- John Syquia, Ritsumeikan University, Japan * JALT Journal, 40.2, November 2018 *

The numerous examples of experiential learning projects...are all presented in ways that are easy to understand, adapt and implement. (The editors') recommendations about planning, implementation and reflection make this volume an essential tool in building experiential learning into a language curriculum.

-- Joshua Pope, Doane University, USA * LINGUIST List 29.483 *

This volume offers many ideas for student engagement in learning through community building for heritage speakers, students in small programs, and those wishing to break new ground. The collection of essays will be invaluable for anyone seeking ways to prepare second language learners for professional success and fulfillment.

-- Randi L. Polk, Eastern Kentucky University, USA * French Review 92