Rate My Professor Sara Visocnik

Ms Sara Visocnik is a dedicated lecturer at Griffith University in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science. She holds the key role of Italian Studies Coordinator, managing the Italian language program and ensuring its delivery through various modes including online and in-country experiences. As course convenor, she leads classes such as 1090LHS Italian 1A for beginners, 2190LHS Italian 2A (Enhanced) for continuing students requiring placement tests, and 3192LHS Language In-Country Independent Study Enhanced, which facilitates practical immersion. Under her coordination, the program has provided opportunities for students to work in Italy and earn credit towards their degrees, as featured in Griffith University news.

Sara Visocnik's academic interests focus on advancing foreign language pedagogy, particularly in teaching Italian as a foreign language, intercultural education, language learning strategies, and the integration of technology. Her research contributions include collaborative publications on innovative techniques. In 2010, she co-authored 'Using an L2 blog to enhance learners' participation and sense of community' with Tiziana Miceli and Claire Kennedy in Computer Assisted Language Learning, detailing the use of class blogs in an advanced Italian course at Griffith University. Other key works are 'Stimulated Reflection: A Technique for Language Learners' (2004, with Tiziana Miceli and Claire Kennedy), introducing a reflection method for L2 learners; 'Strategy Training: Developing Learning Awareness in a Beginning FL Classroom' (2005, with Tiziana Miceli), targeting beginner Italian students; and 'Ti posso offrire un caffè?: Implementing an out-of-class experience in a tertiary Italian language programme' (with Francesca Laura). She has also contributed to projects on task-cycling pedagogy using stimulated reflection and audio-conferencing in foreign language learning.

Visocnik engages externally by working with the Italian Consulate General in Brisbane on events such as the StuditaliA Prize award ceremonies and has advocated for the preservation of Griffith University's Italian studies program.