Developing a common learning platform for foreign language teaching

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study conducted on a common learning platform that was developed for students of German as a Foreign Language at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. German is offered as a main subject for the three year Bachelor of Arts Degree Programme, four year Honours Degree Programme, and a two year Certificate Course for students of all faculties. There is no pre-requisite for prior knowledge of the language when offering German as a Foreign Language in the first year of university as the language is started at beginner level. Consequently, the teachers face a major challenge to facilitate students in achieving the learning outcomes and competency levels designated for each academic year with only 5–7 h per week allocated in the general time table for each year. Thus, studies on integrating web-based learning for advanced learners and use of interactive online exercises have been conducted for over a decade at the university to enhance student performance. These pilot studies mainly focused on advanced learners from the third and fourth years in the degree programmes. The present study broadens the focus on learners of German from Beginner to Advanced Level to benefit over 250 students of German in the entire Bachelor Degree Programme aiming at providing resources for enhanced student performance while promoting autonomous learning. The common learning platform was developed to enable students to access additional authentic material, interactive exercises to further improve language competency, exposure to native speaker environment and increase the number of hours dedicated to language learning. This also facilitates the teachers of different course units to follow the progress of each level, monitor individual student performance and offer reinforcement wherever necessary.