Abstract Learner journals, diaries, and logs have been used in a variety of learning contexts, including foreign language learning. This paper investigates how diary writing can be used in the EFL classroom to encourage students to express their identities through the language they are learning; it is also a way of supporting them in their quest for greater autonomy, with a view to exploring the interconnections between learner autonomy, learner self (L2 self), and learner emotions. More specifically, it will be shown how reflective writing – in the form of online diaries – can offer learners an important tool to explore their thoughts and emotions and reflect on their identity as learners and users of English. Moreover, diaries are a qualitative research tool for teachers and scholars, who can examine metacognitive and affective aspects of language learning. The paper reports a study conducted within a university English Language course, in which the students were encouraged to keep a reflective online diary throughout a semester. The analysis of their personal and expressive writing has shed light on their need to speak as themselves, not just as language learners, and to explore their emotions, both positive and negative. A final questionnaire has revealed that the students were generally positive about the activity, highlighting its usefulness in terms of learner autonomy, self-awareness, and self-regulation.

Abstract This evidence-based, procedural paper outlines academic writing peer review practices conducted by Pre-Master’s Pathway and pre-undergraduate Foundation programme students at two Irish universities. The theoretical framework section presents the view that formative teacher feedback on student writing alone is insufficient, suggesting sustainable feedback through transmission of knowledge via student-generated feedback. We outline the peer review process, providing learners’ reactions focusing on what went well and what can be improved. This provides an outline of possible processes for others to use in their context, with a discussion of relevant considerations. Issues discussed include how to enhance the quality of peer feedback and maximize its impact on student learning. The ultimate aim of the practices is to improve the experience of the learners, and better facilitate their readiness for forthcoming modules in Irish universities. Overall peer review practices develop emerging academic writers, and should be considered in foundational, pre-sessional and beginning stages of learning in undergraduate, and those returning to Masters programmes. Peer review practices require active involvement and collaboration, and can improve self-regulation capabilities of emerging academic writers. The practices effectively encourage the transmission of socially constructed knowledge regarding their capabilities, and ultimately lead to improved self-efficacy and general writing abilities of learners.

Abstract Autonomy in language learning is for many language centres in higher education a pedagogical goal. However, although autonomy is a concept that has been associated with language learning for almost 40 years, both the understanding of that concept and its implementation in classroom-settings and in self-access language centres vary considerably. In 2017 and 2018 the Cercles Focus Group on Autonomy worked on a survey that was circulated among Cercles language centres, in order to discover to what extent autonomy is part of the language curriculum. Approximately one fifth of the language centres answered the questionnaire, representing 18 different countries. The results of this survey show that autonomous learning schemes are provided in various centres in the form of self-access language learning modalities, blended learning, learning advising as support for independent and cooperative learning, tutoring and tandem learning. However, the understanding of the notion of autonomy and therefore the pedagogical practices vary considerably. In this article, we illustrate the results of the survey, highlight similarities and differences emerging from it, and critically reflect upon issues addressed by the answers. In addition, we briefly discuss the results of some interviews conducted after the survey with stakeholders at different language centres. Recommendations for the future conclude the paper.

Abstract This paper describes a joint programme developed in 2018 by the University of Parma Language Centre (Italy) and the Humanities and Arts Department of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The aim of the project was to involve students of English for General Academic Purposes in delivering presentations to an unfamiliar foreign audience on a topic relevant to their academic interests. The students were required to prepare for the presentation by exploring and personalising the chosen topic so as to be able to explain it to a group which they had had no previous contact with or information about. Through the active involvement of the students in a realistic implementation of their prospective professional use of English, language learning became a holistic experience where a traditional approach to language learning focusing mainly on vocabulary and macro-skills was integrated with a pragmatic approach which addressed the so-called ‘21st-century skills’ (specifically critical thinking, communication, collaboration and digital literacy). The simulation of situations that they are likely to encounter in their professional lives helped students build their confidence, with the whole learning experience carrying both emotional and social implications. This paper offers an insight into the challenges and issues which arose, and ideas for improving the learning experience. We describe the preparation carried out by the teachers at both universities, and the guided and autonomous work carried out by students in the different stages. A post-conference survey triggered the students’ self-reflection in relation to learning and personal development. The survey was also valuable for the teachers regarding reassessment of teaching strategies and preparation for future joint projects.

Abstract This paper discusses the potential of language centres in higher education as laboratories for innovation. Despite their hybrid character as central service providers that are also defined by their teaching, their positioning at the academic periphery, and the lack of a mandate to do academic research, language centres still have an obligation to conduct research as a means of promoting innovation. The design-based research (DBR) approach in learning and teaching, in which teaching stakeholders examine learning processes in real situation, offers a suitable opportunity for language centres to overcome the restrictions placed upon them. DBR can be done using existing resources and the innovation potential of a language centre’s teaching staff. The leadership and management of the language centre must be made responsible for providing and/or enabling the necessary structural, material, and cultural conditions for such research. This paper discusses the DBR approach at language centres in higher education and its impact on leadership. It then gives two examples of the successful implementation of DBR at the Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich.

Abstract It is generally accepted that culture is inseparable from language. However, the provision of culture in FL courses takes different forms. At Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), minor route/30 credit language students in the Uniwide Language Programme are allocated 1 h for cultural studies (known as the project hour) in addition to a weekly 2 h language class. This study surveys teachers’ and students’ perceptions of the teaching of culture in MMU Uniwide language courses with the aim of discovering to what extent this promotes students’ intercultural competence (IC) based on Byram, Michael, Bella Gribkova & Hugh Starkey. 2002. Developing the intercultural dimension in language teaching: A practical introduction for teachers. Strasbourg: Council of Europe, model. Byram et al.’s model of IC involves three components: knowledge, skills and attitudes. Teachers and students’ questionnaires were used to collect their views about the project hour and were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The qualitative data, using thematic analysis showed that teachers and students’ perceptions of culture learning and teaching, in general, were in line with the recent literature on IC. However, the quantitative data did not prove that the project hour fully attends to the components of IC, even though the methods and activities used matched its requirements.

Abstract This activity report describes two cases of Language teaching for degree students in the University of Oulu with new pedagogical approaches aiming towards authentic working life skills. Co-creation, collaborative learning and cooperation across borders are the building blocks for these innovative language teaching projects. Case 1 describes Entrepreneurial Language Studies in English and Swedish courses, co-created with the Ministry of Culture and Education Key Projects, which aim for fostering entrepreneurial culture and creating entrepreneurial learning environments at universities. Case 2 is about Teaching English and Course Cooperation in English language between the students of Information Processing Science in Finland and Russia. In both of these cases, students have been challenging themselves with new ways to learn the language and at the same time acquire important skills for working life, virtual learning, presentations, communication, problem solving and business idea creation. What unites these cases is the emphasis on authentic language learning, creativity and self-efficacy. Because career paths today are increasingly complex, multidisciplinary and diverse, the ability to adapt, innovate and be flexible is vital in evolving and collaborative working environments.

Abstract The present investigation explores Cognitive Test Anxiety (CTA) in a high-stake oral examination, taking into consideration how face-to-face and computer-based examination formats affect test-takers’ anxiety and consequently language performance. Two speaking tests – face-to-face and computer-based – were developed for a Spanish university’s ACLES B1 accreditation exam taken by 176 candidates. The Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale Revised (CTAS-2) and a structured interview were used to measure students’ anxiety as well as to observe students’ perceptions, individual behaviour, and how contextual characteristics and emotions have an effect on language test anxiety. Results indicated a moderate to high cognitive test anxiety on the part of participants and differences between the two contexts were found. Factors such as the absence of an examiner or not feeling observed or judged during the speaking test performance were found to be aspects that lowered test-takers’ anxiety levels.

Abstract In the present article, we demonstrate the utility of Open Badge certifications in documenting ESP, EAP and EMI courses. Open Badges are online records of achievement which document field-specific, soft and technical skills. They consist of a visual image and a set of embedded metadata, they are endorsed by the institution which issues them and are recognized at an international level. The information packaged within the badge image file is provided in an open source format and can be shared on social media platforms, as part of an online e-portfolio, as a link on an electronic CV, and on the platform which hosts the Badge. As of 2019, Turin University Language Centre offers Badges in “English for the Social Services” (B1 and B2), “English for Administrative Purposes” (A2, B1 and B2), “Academic Writing and Presentation Skills” (B2 and C1) and “English Medium Instruction” (B2 and C1). We will argue that Open Badge certifications are particularly suited to ESP, since they provide a record of specific hard and soft skills and of innovative teaching and learning practices which go undocumented in conventional certifications and on academic transcripts. We will emphasize the “glocal” quality of these certifications, inasmuch as they are internationally recognized awards tailored by local providers in response to local demands. We will suggest that this perspective is valuable for ESP training. Although ESP learners need to be able to share their credentials on international platforms, using a common language, it is important that we do not lose sight of the specific characteristics of professional activities at a local level. We will further argue that the University Language Centre is, in many ways, ideally suited to issue these kinds of certification.

Abstract Translation teachers have long experimented with various methods to help students improve their translation competence. This study approaches the issue by developing an assessment framework based on error analysis and a translation grading system, with the aim of identifying the most common and frequent errors committed by students in their translation works. One group of translation students in Ningxia University, China served as the target group of the study. The errors identified in their renditions were classified, with text-level errors the most prominent, followed by translation errors and substance errors. Possible causes of the errors were analyzed, and suggestions were proposed for future teaching.