Adapting the Human Library for language learning

The Human Library invites participants to “read” people instead of books and to engage in open conversations that challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. Building on this idea, the AUC project asked students to transform human stories into fictionalised characters written in Spanish. This approach strengthened language proficiency and also encouraged reflection on identity, representation and the ethics involved in creative storytelling.

Presentation of methods and sample activities in Murcia

During the presentation in Murcia, Belén Arias Garcia and Irene Villaescusa guided participants through each stage of the project. They explained how students selected interviewees, prepared narrative-based questions, conducted meaningful conversations and then shaped the material into character sketches and short stories. The presenters emphasised how this process creates a learning environment where linguistic practice is closely connected to creativity and intercultural engagement.

Participants took part in sample activities and discussed ways to adapt the project to their own languages and teaching contexts. Many expressed particular interest in how the project develops broader competencies such as mediation, critical thinking and cultural sensitivity, alongside vocabulary growth and improved grammatical accuracy.

Sharing resources and student work

All teaching materials were shared with attendees, including guidelines, interview prompts and assessment examples. Participants also received access to the original “books” created by AUC students, which offered insight into the diverse and personal narratives that emerged from the project.

The strong interest at the conference reflects a growing appreciation for experiential and interdisciplinary approaches to language education. It also highlights AUC’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative and meaningful learning experiences for students.

Read the full article

You can read the full article published in Mosaico. Revista para la promoción y apoyo a la enseñanza del español, No. 41, 2023, pp. 25–43, via the link below.