Teaching and Testing Hungarian as a Heritage Language (HHL) in Virtual Environments
Abstract
The recent shift to online education accelerated the need to better understand and accommodate the unique needs and characteristics of “Hungarian as Heritage Language” (HHL) learners who study in virtual environments. Additionally, to ensure the quality and sustainability of teaching Hungarian in the US diaspora, a systematic framework is called for. My presentation proposes that the competence-based examination system of the ECL exam (European Consortium for the Attainment of Modern Languages exam) can be a fitting answer to this call. I will discuss the findings of my research on adopting and using ECL testing materials in digital Learning Management Systems (LMSs). My research examined the results of the pilot tests that preceded the deployment of an online Hungarian ECL testing platform. Leveraging a body of knowledge about the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in language education, online teaching experiences in the Hungarian Diaspora community, and test-administration experiences in the ECL framework, digital testing materials were developed in three competency areas: reading, writing, and listening. The pilot test informs about how suitable the chosen LMS platform and the content are to the needs of heritage speakers, and my findings will be instrumental in further development of teaching and testing materials for HHL education. My presentation aims to benefit educators who are working in diaspora communities and interested in online teaching technologies.
Start Date
19-11-2021 12:00 PM
Teaching and Testing Hungarian as a Heritage Language (HHL) in Virtual Environments
The recent shift to online education accelerated the need to better understand and accommodate the unique needs and characteristics of “Hungarian as Heritage Language” (HHL) learners who study in virtual environments. Additionally, to ensure the quality and sustainability of teaching Hungarian in the US diaspora, a systematic framework is called for. My presentation proposes that the competence-based examination system of the ECL exam (European Consortium for the Attainment of Modern Languages exam) can be a fitting answer to this call. I will discuss the findings of my research on adopting and using ECL testing materials in digital Learning Management Systems (LMSs). My research examined the results of the pilot tests that preceded the deployment of an online Hungarian ECL testing platform. Leveraging a body of knowledge about the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in language education, online teaching experiences in the Hungarian Diaspora community, and test-administration experiences in the ECL framework, digital testing materials were developed in three competency areas: reading, writing, and listening. The pilot test informs about how suitable the chosen LMS platform and the content are to the needs of heritage speakers, and my findings will be instrumental in further development of teaching and testing materials for HHL education. My presentation aims to benefit educators who are working in diaspora communities and interested in online teaching technologies.