has become the norm to describe learning
outcomes in the context of the Common
European Framework of Reference (CEFR), but
there is an associated uncertainty as to how
the formats of different courses allow each
learner to develop their linguistic competency.
In early 2016, a group of 16 universities
formed a consortium (with another joining
in 2017)
1
to look at the issue of learner
22 The Linguist Vol/57 No/2 2018
www.ciol.org.uk
FEATURES
As non-specialist language courses continue to grow at UK universities,
realistic expectations and outcomes are vital, says Mark Critchley
I
n recent years, the number of 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. These are non-
specialist students taking a language course
alongside their degree programme, either as
an elective module for academic credit or as
extracurricular study. 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.
In response to these challenges, a group
of language centre directors conceived the
Language Learning Framework (LLF) project to
review the different course formats, and ensure
that learning outcomes and expectations are
being realistically expressed. Increasingly, it
progression. With funding support from the
British Academy, the project undertook a
survey of current practice in terms of course
delivery; reviewed requirements and
objectives; and published the first version of
the LLF. The resulting tables indicate the
recommended input study hours to progress
through each CEFR band via courses of
different durations and intensity.
A new standard
CEFR band
A1-A2
A2-B1
B1-B2
A2.1
A2.2
B1.1
B1.2
B2.1
B2.2
Easy-paced
contact
40
40
50
50
50
50
Easy-paced
self-study
40
40
75
75
100
100
In-depth
contact
50
60
80
In-depth
self-study
100
140
160
20-24 WEEK ROMANCE LANGUAGE COURSE
