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Surveys
Language Learning Frameworks Project

In recent years, the number of university students participating in University-Wide Language Programmes (UWLP) has been growing steadily, from just under 50,000 in 2012 to around 70,000 in 2016. As the number of registrations has grown, so have the flexibility and diversity of the courses on offer in terms of length and contact time. This brings challenges in relation to consistency of learning outcomes, and managing student expectations of achievement. The Language Learning Framework provides guidance for the design of language courses in UK universities. Its main concern is the expected progression of learners undertaking University language courses, recommending hours of study for individual CEFR levels by language.

Five tables have been developed by a number of colleagues in 17 UK universities, based on their experience and professional judgement, for the 10 most commonly taught languages in UWLP: Romance languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese), German, Arabic, Russian, and East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese and Korean). These are now available here as a set of reference materials (published February 2018). The resulting tables indicate the recommended input study hours to progress through each CEFR band via courses of different durations and intensity. An “in-depth” course can be considered to be a typical University elective credit bearing module. An “easy-paced” course can be considered to be a typical University evening course. It is hoped that publication of this Framework will also stimulate further discussion amongst practitioners. Other background information as to how the Framework was developed can be found in the Basic Assumptions.

Any feedback on the Language Learning Framework tables, including questions, comments and suggested changes, should be sent to mark.critchley@durham.ac.uk. The documentation will be refined and developed to meet the requirements of University-level language teaching.

LANGUAGE LEARNING FRAMEWORK VERSION 1.2 – BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

LLF TABLE GERMANIC LANGUAGES 27 July 2017

LLF TABLE ROMANCE LANGUAGES 15 June 2017

LLF TABLE AFRICAN & MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES 14 June 2017

LLF TABLE EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES 30 August 2017

LLF TABLE SLAVIC LANGUAGES 27 August 2017

Wulkow memoranda for Language Centres in Institutions of Higher Education in Europe
Presentations
HEFCE Review of Modern Foreign Languages Provision

Conducted by Prof. Michael Worton.

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