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Bridging the Gap: Developing Practical Digital Tools for Intermediate Italian Language Learning - Simone Lomartire

Dr Simone Lomartire, Lecturer in Italian

This scholarship project aims to develop and implement targeted digital resources for intermediate-level Italian language learners on a degree programme in Italian as SH/JH, addressing the critical transition phase where students often encounter challenges in consolidating their language skills from beginners level. Building on my role as discussant and facilitator for the "Digital Pedagogy and Teaching Practice in the Intermediate-Level Italian Language Classroom" roundtable at the 2025 Society for Italian Studies (SIS) conference, "Italian Studies at the Digital Turn," hosted by Italian@Leeds, this project will leverage insights from six UK-based experts of digital pedagogy of Italian to create practical, classroom-ready tools and generate data for a peer-reviewed publication.

Timeline & Methodology 

  • January-May 2025: Design, planning, organisation, and participation in the round table, laying the groundwork for data collection.
  • June-July 2025: Post-conference needs assessment: analysis of roundtable discussions; evaluation of current course materials. Focus: pedagogical impact and theoretical frameworks to inform research design. Key role played by context, with Italian not systematically being taught beyond A1/A2 CEFR level in the UK.
  • August-September 2025: Based on my assessment, I will identify 2-3 key areas (e.g. B1/B2 grammar practice, cultural context application, oral fluency exercises, or pre-departure cultural orientation if residence abroad should be a common thread across the 6 institutions involved) and develop 2-3 resources per area. I will document the design process, including pedagogical rationale and possible practical applications.
  • October 2025-February 2026: Piloting resources in my Level 2 Italian class, gathering quantitative (Minerva analytics) and qualitative (interim questionnaires, module feedback - ethical approval may be sought) data for thematic analysis.
  • March-April 2026: Data analysis, resource refinement, and project report compilation. I will interpret data within existing literature and develop a strong argument for publication.
  • May-June 2026: Finalising the resource repository, presenting findings internally (e.g. a university teaching and learning showcase event), and refining a research draft for publication, including journal selection and article proposal.

Expected Results and Outcomes

The project aims to produce a set of practical, adaptable digital resources that demonstrably improve student engagement and learning outcomes in intermediate Italian. Expected outcomes include:

  • A curated repository of 5-9 high-quality digital resources for language learners of Italian at intermediate level.
  • Measurable increase in student engagement with digital learning materials.
  • Improved student confidence in applying intermediate-level language skills.
  • A dataset suitable for a peer-reviewed publication.
  • A draft of a peer reviewed publication.

Expected Impact and Dissemination

This project will directly benefit intermediate Italian language students within my institution. The resources will be made available through the university's virtual learning environment, and I will share best practices with colleagues. I aim to create resources that can be easily adapted to different universities and directly benefit students and colleagues.