ECML resources

The work of the ECML represents a collective effort and determination to enhance the quality in language education at challenging times. The publications illustrate the dedication and active involvement of all those who participated in a series of international projects and training and consultancy activities. The promotion of the programme outputs and their adaptation to different learning environments is supported through National Contact Points in each of the member states of the Centre. Read more

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LQuest - LanguageQuests

CONTEXT

This project is about the development and use of LanguageQuests. The LanguageQuest concept is derived from Bernie Dodge's WebQuest. According to Dodge, 'A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet…' It is a task-based, integrated approach, drawing heavily on principles of collaborative learning. But performing a WebQuest with the help of internet resources in a foreign language does not automatically result in second language acquisition (SLA).

The concept 'LanguageQuest' (Dutch: 'TalenQuest', ) is an innovative approach, targeted at adapting the WebQuest idea to the specific requirements of instructed SLA instruction, based on theoretical insights from SLA research, resulting in:

improved task design and methodology for realistic, content oriented, functional, task-based foreign language learning;
a set of support instruments: quality criteria based on a SLA Model clarification of task features that trigger useful and effective language learning activities a template, customised for the production of TalenQuests.
a rubric for the assessment of the pedagogical qualities of TalenQuests
LanguageQuests are designed to promote an integrated approach to communicative, realistic and functional SLA.

The work of this project will focus on the implementation and dissemination of this concept, covering methodology as well as ICT, materials development and course design and aiming especially at the potential and impact of ICT and new forms of collaborative work on language education.

It combines the ECML's orientations towards the training of experts in language education and research and development. The results will encourage the implementation and dissemination of innovative approaches to the learning and teaching of languages. The workshop aims at raising competence and skills levels, especially in the field of ICT use in FL-education. The outcomes apply to all levels of education, from primary school to university.

Target group(s): teachers

Publication year: 2007

Author(s): Ton Koenraad

Promotional documents:
Flyer (EN) (DE)