Welcome to the Language Anxiety Initiative!
Welcome to LAI, a pioneering platform @ KU English Didactics, dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges of (foreign) language anxiety. Our mission is to bridge the gap between language educational neuroscience and practical classroom applications, fostering a more inclusive and effective language learning environment.
The main objective of the initiative: Fighting the Fear Factor!
Uncovering anxiety
LAI delves deep into the neuroscience of language learning, exploring how anxiety impacts the language acquisition and learning process. Our research aims to uncover the neural, learning psychological and didactical underpinnings of language anxiety, providing valuable insights for language educators and language learners alike.
Translation research
We translate our research findings into practical strategies for teachers and students. By integrating educational neuroscience principles into language teaching, we aim to reduce anxiety and enhance learning outcomes.
Partnering with schools
We therefore seek to partner with local schools to bring unique language neuroscience learning opportunities to students and teachers to explore their experiences and the feedback they can bring to the quality circle of the development of avant-garde fear-free didactics.
Prevention coming first
LAI emphasizes the importance of early identification and prevention of language anxiety. We develop tools and resources to help educators recognize early signs and implement effective preventative strategies.
Individualizing
We offer a range of intervention strategies and language therapeutic approaches tailored to individuals experiencing language anxiety. Our methods are grounded in scientific research and are designed to build confidence and proficiency in language learners.
Interested in joining LAI...
If you feel like joining us in our journey to transform language education and empower every language learner to reach their full potential, please let us know.
Publications & Material
Publications
Böttger, H., & Költzsch, D. (2020). The fear factor: Xenoglossophobia or how to overcome the anxiety of speaking foreign languages. Training, Language and Culture, 4(2), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.22363/2521-442X-2020-4-2-43-55
Horwitz, K., Horwitz, M. B., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70(2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1986.tb05256.x
Test Instruments
Pekrun, R., & Goetz, T. (2005). Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) - User's Manual
Tangey, Dearing, Wagner, Gramzow. (2000). Test of Self-Conscious Affect - TOSCA.
Watson, S. D., Gomez, R., Gullone, E. (2016). The Shame and Guilt Scales of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-Adolescent (TOSCA-A): Psychometric Properties for Responses from Children, and Measurement Invariance Across Children and Adolescents, Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00635
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