Abstract:

Informal learning is recognised as a more entertaining and less forced process compared to formal learning, which makes the former a useful pedagogical complement to the latter. The aim of the present paper is to identify current trends and formulate best practices regarding the design of learning materials for English as a foreign or second language as found on the Instagram social network. The research involves the analysis of selected Instagram profiles that are positioned as providing informal assistance for English learning, with the focus on the content of regular posts as well as topical highlights selected for permanent access by the account owner. A particular issue of interest includes the representation of different types of linguistic, sociolinguistic and pragmatic knowledge as well as individual aspects of communicative competence in the posts and stories. Attention is also paid to the evaluation of the strength and weaknesses of posts with different formats and topical orientation, based on user feedback in the commentary section

Keywords:

Informal learning, interactive tools, social media, Instagram, English as a foreign/second language (EFL/ESL).