Shifting towards the action-oriented approach in Higher Education: language learners’ perceptions

Abstract In the updated version of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment – Companion Volume (Council of Europe 2020), the Action-Oriented Approach is highlighted as the most viable approach for learning languages. The present study explored students’ reflections on the collaborative project based on this approach. The project was offered to the learners at a tertiary level during a course of English (C1 level). Analysis of the data revealed that the project appeared to be useful for the development of both general and communicative language competences. Although collaboration was indicated among the most satisfactory aspects, the learners also experienced the most difficulties with it. Despite the finding that most students considered such a project to be of acceptable difficulty, their level of satisfaction differed significantly. The results point to some potential challenges while shifting to the Action-Oriented Approach as a more active language learning approach. Not all students may be ready for the new type of language learning which requires higher levels of cognitive effort and more collaboration in comparison to traditional language classes. As this approach marks a significant turn in language education, it is anticipated that both the detailed presentation of the project and students’ reflections on it will help to increase the awareness of other language educators seeking to design quality action-based projects.