Innovation in Language Learning

Language education has been one of the first subjects which focused on competence-oriented learning. This approach has been fostered by the Council of Europe when deciding to implement the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the European Language Portfolio in 2001. The competence-based approach can be supported by ePortfolios in an excellent way: The ePortfolio offers the possibility to perform, assess, document and reflect the language learning process as well as its results. By using ePortfolios the learner creates his own learning environment and takes responsibility on his own learning process as an autonomous learner, not only in his formal education but also during later work life and private experience.

The ePortfolio system EPOS which supports language learning is in use since 2011. Today, there are about 20 educational institutions, mainly universities all over Europe, which implemented the system in their language centres, and are members of the EPOS association.

Based on the pedagogical background of autonomous, competence-based and action-oriented learning, the paper describes the concept and functionality of the system, and reports about experiences of the partner institutions. These are using EPOS in various scenarios, e.g. blended language learning courses, self-learning with mentoring by tutors, achievement of language micro-credentials (Open Badges), organising eTandem-based language learning etc. But the application of EPOS goes beyond direct language learning, it also supports learning of other key competences like intercultural communication, or is used as tool in Personal Development Planning. Last but not least, improving language teachers’ qualification is one of the scenarios in use. Results of evaluations performed by EPOS partners are presented in this paper and deliver insight into chances and challenges of ePortfolio implementations in language learning. Based on experiences and evaluations, the paper also gives an outlook

about future developments of the ePortfolio system, e.g. the use of mobile devices, the implementation of video- and audio-feedback, the assistance of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), or the support of task and project oriented language acquisition.

 

Keywords ePortfolio, EPOS, Autonomous learning, Competence-based learningEvaluation