Online interaction descriptors: A tool for the development of tasks for language competences and language use

Abstract

The study focuses on a new scale of the framework introduced by the CEFR Companion Volume. Slovak and Maltese teachers were invited to participate in the training sessions in which they were exposed to lists of descriptors related to online interaction. The goal of familiarisation activities related to indicating reference levels was to prepare teachers for constructing tasks designed for practicing online communication in language classes, relevant to the proficiency levels of their students. The data on teachers’ judgements are clearly displayed and analysed in order to find out similarities and differences between teachers’ perceptions of language proficiency in two countries. Workshop sessions stimulated in-depth discussions the conclusions of which are reflected in the recommendations for language educators and teachers.

Keywords

• cefr descriptors
• online interaction
• familiarization
• teachers’ judgements
• task construction