TSUULL DELIVERED A PUBLIC TALK TITLED “LEARNING-BY-SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION”, 15 NOVEMBER

On November 15, 2024, Kikka Uchuno, founder of Laugh & Learn Co., delivered an engaging lecture at TSUULL titled “Learning-by-Speaking in Foreign Language Acquisition.” The session, part of the #TSUULLTalks series, was attended by Bachelor students and focused on practical strategies for learning foreign languages through guided speaking.
During the lecture, Kikka introduced participants to her innovative Laugh & Learn system, a comprehensive approach that combines the learning-by-speaking method, Guided Speaking, and hundreds of interactive activities suitable for learners of all ages and proficiency levels. She also highlighted Hands-On CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), an approach that allows students to learn by doing, experimenting, and discovering, making the language acquisition process both dynamic and experiential.
Kikka shared insights from her extensive career in EFL and CLIL education, spanning over 20 years, including her experience as a teacher trainer for educators at all levels, from preschool to university. Drawing from her personal journey — born in New York City and living in Italy near Venice for nearly 25 years — she emphasized the importance of immersive, speaking-based learning and creating a positive, playful environment that encourages students to communicate confidently without fear of mistakes.
Students actively engaged in discussion, exploring how guided speaking techniques can enhance fluency, vocabulary retention, and intercultural communication skills. They also reflected on the role of innovative teaching methods, like Hands-On CLIL, in making language learning more interactive and meaningful.