Fostering foreign language acquisition in young refugees using mobile devices: The YouRNI project experience


CAN T., ŞİMŞEK İ.

Trainin Language and Culture, vol.2, no.3, pp.29-41, 2018 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Journal Name: Trainin Language and Culture
  • Page Numbers: pp.29-41
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Integration of technology into foreign language learning could extend the opportunities for language

contact and better retention in the context of newly arrived refugees in the European countries. Research

has shown that technology increases the motivation in foreign language learning and also fosters learner

autonomy by allowing the learners to personalise the learning and enables them to self-regulate. The use of

mobile technologies for language learning is also in accordance with a constructivist approach that caters

for learner involvement and agency in the learning process not only in classrooms but outside the

classroom as well. Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants readily have mobile devices at hand which could

also be used in the classrooms where they are learning new languages. The teachers should also be able to

exploit these devices to develop refugees’ language skills. These reasons have necessitated the YoruRNI

project that focuses on the refugee crisis in Europe, giving particular attention to inclusive schooling of

asylum seekers and migrants in vocational schools (age 15+). This paper covers the initial findings of the

project needs analysis as well as literature review to disseminate best practices on the use of mobile devices

and apps in teaching languages of the host countries to the refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.