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 describes experimental studies designed to teach words and phrases in a new language, including through the comparison of three ‘listen-and-repeat’ learning conditions: speaking, rhythmic speaking and singing.

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 involvment in the Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing (AIRS) network, I have also recently 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 language learning with the arts and music.

Teaching

As a Senior Lecturer in English Language, my main teaching interests are first and second language learning and bilingualism, and psycholinguistics. I teach on several first-year English Language modules and I lead modules focused on child language development, psycholinguistics and language, mind and communication.

I am the Study Abroad Co-ordinator for the department, supporting students from outside of Europe who are studying in our department and our Edge Hill students who are considering ERASMUS+ or study abroad opportunities.