Dr Karen Ludke

Profile

Research Interests

My research and publications focus on the inclusion of the arts to support language learning, particularly through musical activities and singing. My published work includes experimental studies designed to teach words and phrases in a new language, through the comparison of three ‘listen-and-repeat’ learning conditions: speaking, rhythmic speaking and singing; as well as classroom-based research with a language education focus. My research also explores the perspectives of learners and teachers when learning a new language through arts activities, and the importance of play in the classroom (and out). 

In addition, I have developed pedagogical resources and articles for teachers related to the European Music Portfolio: A Creative Way into Languages project. Because of my involvement in the Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing (AIRS) network, I co-edited and contributed chapters to The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing, Volume II: Education with Helga R. Gudmundsdottir, Carol Beynon, & Annabel J. Cohen (March 2020). 

I am interested to hear proposals from potential MRes. and PhD students interested in conducting interdisciplinary research, particularly projects that combine first and/or additional language learning with the arts, music and popular culture to support both learning and wellbeing outcomes. 

Teaching

As part of the Faculty of Education, my main teaching interests relate to linguistics, with a focus on language learning and memory, using research methods from psycholinguistics as well as qualitative methods. In my role of Programme Leader for the Foundation programme in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, I teach various modules focused on academic writing, critical thinking and how to successfully complete a small-scale project. I also contribute to teaching related to child language development, including the importance of individual differences in this process, and the role of music/singing and the visual and dramatic arts to support language skills as well as contribute to a sense of belonging and wellbeing. 

From 2016-2023 in my previous departments, I served as the International Co-ordinator for English, supporting incoming students from other countries and our Edge Hill students who were taking part in study abroad opportunities. 

• Pop music in informal foreign language learning:
• The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing, Volume II: Education
• Singing and arts activities in support of foreign language learning

• The role of music in informal language learning and the L2 classroom
• Language learning through music and singing

• Long-term memory for music, songs and language
• Informal language learning with music: Teachers’ and learners’ perspectives
• The European Music Portfolio: How musical activities can support language learning