TEACHING ROMANIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN BLENDED LEARNING FORMAT

The paper explores the curriculum and materials design of a Lingua project for Romanian as a foreign language. The A2 (CEFR) blended learning course targets adults who need Romanian for study or the profession. The methodology of autonomous learning and the motivational value of the face to face component are analysed. The paper is rooted in research of competence-based concepts for foreign language curriculum development derived from language learning and assessment instruments such as the Common European Framework of Reference and the European Language Portfolio. Our innovative approach applies CEFR principles to curriculum design for Romanian as a foreign language at A2 level. This entails adapting existing models to the specificity of the Romanian language, while also incorporating recent work into European models of blended learning materials development and methodology. The role of supporting instruments for learners and blended learning tutors is highlighted throughout. Innovation comes from the competence-based curriculum, the blended learning approach facilitating autonomous learning, and the cross curricular dimension engendering learner and tutor digital competence. Self/evaluation abilities are fostered. Learning path customisation is achieved through learner freedom to control own agenda and check progress. Web 2.0 applications help deliver the online course. The Romanian A2 blended learning course is the work of Romanian materials developers experienced in creating paper-based materials for teaching/learning English, with support from such international professionals. The Romanian course highlights how blended learning benefits foreign language learning, how a competence-based curriculum can be developed, and how teaching Romanian as a foreign language is consistent with foreign language teaching. The VLE hosting the course and BL methodology help professionalise the teaching of Romanian as a foreign language. The course can be extensively used with Erasmus students and foreign students in their preparatory year who need to consolidate their Romanian as a foreign language skills. The facility of assisting tutors in how to use the platform creatively and develop new exercises and learner-specific tasks is another added value.