Construxercise!: Implementation of a construction-based approach to language pedagogy

Abstract

We propose a construction-based approach to learning and teaching Russian as a second language (L2) and present an innovative pedagogical resource called Construxercise! Hands-on learning of Russian constructions (https://constructicon.github.io/construxercise-rus/) that implements this approach. The resource offers practical exercises for mastering Russian discourse constructions that are thoroughly described in the Russian Constructicon (https://constructicon.github.io/russian/), a large searchable database of Russian constructions. We argue that the Construxercise! resource fills an essential gap in available educational materials and provides a powerful alternative for successfully organizing conversational practice in L2 Russian. Targeting strategic and highly frequent discourse constructions in language learning brings the focus to conversation and strengthens text production skills. The article details our methodology, the choice of constructions, and the architecture of the website. The resource is built in close collaboration with our students and benefits from both native and non-native perspectives on L2 Russian.