Developing second language oral competence through an integrated discursive approach: The conceptual framework of the project and results of a pilot study

Authors:

• Joanna Górecka,
• Weronika Wilczyńska,
• Bernadeta Maria Wojciechowska

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present a planned research and implementation project that focuses on the development of oral communication skills (i.e. speaking and listening) at the advanced level. The project is currently under way in the Institute of Romance Philology at the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland. The project aims at investigating the effectiveness of what is referred to here as an integrated approach towards improving foreign language (FL) communication skills at the B2/C1 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 2003). This original, innovative approach aims at enhancing FL students’ personal development by integrating three educational dimensions, namely: (a) oral competences in semi-public communication contexts, (b) media competence, including critical evaluation skills when it comes to the media and, consequently, a more objective approach to information, and (c) knowledge related to current socio-cultural issues (in a broad sense), specific to the countries of a given FL. In the present paper the emphasis is laid on the justification of the adopted theoretical framework as well as on the illustration of the teaching and learning contributions of media resources. Finally, the main didactic scenarios will be outlined and the results of a pilot study will be presented.