Research team
Expertise
Language learning and language acquisition, language testing and computer assisted language learning/testing.
Development of an online course French & English for adult education in Flanders (BIS Online), Vantage.
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Colpaert Jozef
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
(Courseware) development of the multimedia language course French and English. (parcel 7 and 10)
Abstract
The official French and English on-line language courses - level Breakthrough and Waystage - for BIS Adult Education offers 240 lessons which concentrate on four skills: speaking, listening, writing and reading. The 12 contexts defined by the DVO (Department for Education Development) in their report "Training Profiles for Modern Languages" ensure the necessary variation in this course. In each lesson one of the contexts is linked to a specific goal in order to formulate a language task for the learner. The language course is based on the Internet and provides additional material such as extra documents, PDF files, audio and video material, on-line dictionaries and grammars, links to interesting sites, etc. Feedback is provided partly by the program and partly by mentors. Next to the four language skills the BIS on-line course also concentrates on computer literacy, learning how to help and evaluate oneself, learning how to work with the resources on the Net and adopt a critical attitude towards the information found on the Net.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Colpaert Jozef
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of the multimedia language course French Vantage 1 and 2 for B.I.S. Online.
Abstract
The official French on-line language course - level Vantage - for BIS Adult Education offers 240 lessons which concentrate on four skills: speaking, listening, writing and reading. The 15 contexts defined by the DVO (Department for Education Development) in their report "Training Profiles for Modern Languages" ensure the necessary variation in this course. In each lesson one of the contexts is linked to a specific goal in order to formulate a language task for the learner. The language course is based on the Internet and provides additional material such as extra documents, PDF files, audio and video material, on-line dictionaries and grammars, links to interesting sites, etc. Next to the four language skills the BIS on-line course also concentrates on computer literacy, learning how to help and evaluate oneself, learning how to work with the resources on the Net and adopt a critical attitude towards the information found on the Net.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The integration of ICT in language training at the Plantijnhogeschool : research with a view to formulate policy guidelines.
Abstract
A new campus, the approval of a new framework for Education Development and a new ICT-strategy entail the need for research into the integration of ICT in language training at the Plantijnhogeschool. The objective of this project is to formulate policy guidelines.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- PROV/STAD
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of an online course French for adult education in Flanders (BIS Online), Effectiveness 1 & 2.
Training and evaluation system Atlas.
Abstract
Development of a training and evaluation system which should allow candidates to prepare themselves in a more effective way to the Atlas language test.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Statistical and linguistic analysis of the ATLAS language test.
Abstract
Statistical and linguistic analysis of results and answers of civil servants who have passed the Atlas language test (on behalf of Belgian Civil Service Commission).Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of the 9th ATLAS module which will test the communication skills for both languages Dutch and French.
Abstract
Module 9 will test the candidate's ability to react to a carefully considered offer of image and sound. This multimedial approach continues the evolution which started with the previous modules and enables us to test in a more general way. The Atlas test thus evolves from the very analytical items in the first modules towards testing complete language skills in the last modules. The ultimate goal is to develop a test which tests many language components from the different language skills. This will enable us to give a representative survey of the candidate's command of the language. The computer tests candidates in a fast, objective and efficient way and provides a sound basis for the selection of candidatesResearcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of module 8 of the ATLAS system for both French and Dutch.
Abstract
Development of a module for listening comprehension; design of the test tasks, inventory of source materials, recordings, formatting of the database and implementation into the ATLAS systemResearcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
French as a second language from Russian (adaptation of the Eventail method).
Abstract
This project is part of the cooperation between the Ministries of Education of the Russian Federation and the Flemish Community. It has as a major aim to adept and implement learning materials for French as a foreign language.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Upgrading of ATLAS to Windows95.
Abstract
This project aims at upgrading the existing ATLAS system (computer-assisted language test for the Belgian Civil Service Commission) from DOS to a multimedia Windows95 environment.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Testing of language ability in three target languages: French (source language: Dutch), English (source language: Dutch or French) and Dutch (source language: French).
Abstract
The Creyf's Test is an adaptive test which win be used by companies to test the language ability of potential temporary employees. In one hour the test taker has to answer 100 questions, spread over four modules: reading, listening, morphology and syntax. Besides multiple choice questions, the test also contains close-sentences and reconstruction exercises (placing parts of a sentence in the right order). The result of the test is a probabilistic score for each module.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- PRIVE - profit
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The teaching of business communication in higher education - Part II.
Abstract
In the new International context for Russia "business communication" is a very important subject matter for Russian higher education. This project intends to share the Flemish expertise with Russian partners and enrich it through their specific insights, via study of concepts, inquiries, adaptation work for social and intercultural differences, and selection and organisation of adapted subject matter within the frame of curricular possibilities.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL.WET.BEL
Project type(s)
- Research Project
French as a second language from Russian.
Abstract
This project is part of the cooperation between the Ministries of Education of the Russian Federation and the Flemish Community. It has as a major aim to adept and implement learning materials tor French as a foreign language.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The teaching of business communication in higher education.
Abstract
In the new intemational context for Russia "business communication" is a very important subject matter for Russian higher education. This project intends to share the Flemish expertise with Russian partners and enrich it through their specific insights, via study of concepts, inquiries, adaptation work for social and intercultural differences, and selection and organisation of adapted subject matter within the frame of curricular possibilities.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL.WET.BEL
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Language testing.
Abstract
This library-budget is part of research on the evaluation of language competencies, both for mother tongue and foreign languages, studied from an interdisciplinary perspective, including applied linguistics, language didactics, pedagogy, psychometrics and statistics. Main aim is to exchange expertise in order to improve the construction of language tests and their diagnostic value, also in relation to computerized applications.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Extension of ATLAS, a system for testing second language proficiency.
Abstract
Extension of the ATLAS system for the Belgian Civil Service Commission: computer assisted testing of second language proficiency.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Extension and actualisation of ARIANE, a system for testing communicative proficiency.
Abstract
Extension and actualisation of the ARIANE system for the Belgian Civil Service Commission: computer assisted testing of communicative proficiency in the mother tongue.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Foreign language as instruction language: a study of the literature.
Abstract
This bibliographical research makes the inventarization and critical analysis of answers dealing with "content-based language leaming" (CBLL): how is CBLL defined? What are the (dis) advantages of CBLL according to age, intensity, leaming model, competencies, kind of subject matter? What are the implications on final objectives and leaming programmes, etc. Data from foreign research are related, as much as possible, to the peculiar situation of the Flemish educational system.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Pedagora: specification of the added value of broadband networks for multimedi a language learning in Flanders.
Abstract
The aim of Pedagora is to research an accurate, objective and dynamic specification of the added value of high bandwidth networks for different types of language learning through multimedia in Flanders aiming at a maximal valorization potential of this new technology.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Colpaert Jozef
Funding
- VL.WET.BEL
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Language testing.
Abstract
The evaluation of language competencies, both for mother tongue and foreign languages, is being studied from an interdisciplinary perspective, including applied linguistics, language didactics, pedagogy, psychometrics and statistics. Main aim is to exchange expertise in order to improve the construction of language tests and their diagnostic value, also in relation to computerized applications.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FWO
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The pragmatics of language and communication
Abstract
Theory formation in linguistic pragmatics (viewed broadly as the social and cognitive science of language and communication), and empirical research in three areas of application : foreign language learning and language teaching, intercultural and international communication, and language technologyResearcher(s)
- Promoter: Verschueren Jef
- Co-promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- IUAP
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Implementation of the ATLAS modules into the DIDO platform.
Abstract
The ATLAS language testing system has been developed by Didascalia by order of the Belgian Civil Service Commission. The system is operational now under DOS. This objective of this project is the integration of the existing ATLAS modules 1-7 into the DIDO platform.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Conversion and implementation of a set of multiple choice questions into the DIDO platform.
Abstract
The objective of this project is to transform the existing multiple-choice exam of the Belgian Civil Service Commission into a computer assisted knowledge test. The existing contents have to be converted and implemented into the DIDO environment.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of a system for computer assisted testing of second language proficiency - module 7.
Abstract
Development of a system for computer assisted testing of L2 proficiency for the Belgian Civil Service Commission - module 7: notional-visual strategies.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Improving curriculum-bound foreign 1anguage 1earning materials.
Abstract
12 partners from East- and West-Europe study aspects to improve foreign language learning materials in school contexts. The aspects deal with: analysis of language needs, curriculum and curriculum implementation; analysis of contrastive lingual aspects in language leaming materials; analysis of notional, functional and grammatical constitution of FLL-materials; development of taxonomies of communicative practice forms; analysis and didactic implementation of dramatic strategies and rythmin FLL; analysis and leaming-implementation of cultural and intercultural components; development and implementation of computer-assistend language learning; evaluation of leaming materials and learning results; development of strategies in teacher training.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- EU-NT. KAD
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Improving curriculum-bound foreign 1anguage 1earning materials.
Abstract
12 partners from East- and West-Europe study aspects to improve foreign language learning materials in school contexts. The aspects deal with: analysis of language needs, curriculum and curriculum implementation; analysis of contrastive lingual aspects in language leaming materials; analysis of notional, functional and grammatical constitution of FLL-materials; development of taxonomies of communicative practice forms; analysis and didactic implementation of dramatic strategies and rythmin FLL; analysis and leaming-implementation of cultural and intercultural components; development and implementation of computer-assistend language learning; evaluation of leaming materials and learning results; development of strategies in teacher training.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. INST.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of a system for computer assisted testing of communicative competence.
Abstract
Development of a system for computer assisted testing of communicative competence in the mother tongue for the Belgian Civil Service Commission.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Development of the Bellingua program.
Abstract
Development of the BELLINGUA software program (multilingual learning of telecom vocabulary). Phase II: implementation in a Windows environment.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- PRIVE - profit
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Atlas : adaptive testing of linguistic achievement significance : module 6 : text comprehension.
Abstract
Development and implementation of a system for computer assisted adaptive language testing sixth module (Dutch - French) - text comprehension.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Atlas : adaptive testing of linguistic achievement significance.
Abstract
Development and implementation of a system for computer assisted adaptive language testing fifth module (Dutch - French) - sentence structure.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Linguatext : vocabulary training program for the textile industry.
Abstract
Research and development of a courseware package for specific vocabulary training in textile industry.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- PRIVE - profit
Project type(s)
- Research Project
ATLAS : Adaptive Testing of Linguistic Achievement Significance.
Abstract
Adaptive testing of verb conjugation in Dutch and in French for the Belgian Civil Serevice Commission.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
ATLAS : Adaptive Testing of Linguistic Achievement Significance.
Abstract
Adaptive testing of morphosyntax in Dutch and in French for the Belgian Civil Service Commission.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
ATLAS : adaptive testing of linguistic achievement significance - module 2 : testing of prepositions.
Abstract
The second module of the ATLAS system analyzes the knowledge about the use of propositions in Dutch and in French as foreign language.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Cooperation with the Russian Federation for the development of learning materials for foreign languages, part : French.
Abstract
This project is part of the cooperation between the Ministries of Education of the Russian Federation and the Flemish Community. It has a major aim to adept and implement learning materials for French as a foreign language.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- VL. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
This is your captain speaking : a cockpit crew announcement training program.
Abstract
Sabena and Didascalia are cooperating in order to improve the quality of the announcements made by pilots in various languages. A special program is being developed which should increase language proficiency of the cockpit crew in some specific situations.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- PRIVE - profit
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The pragmatics of language and communication.
Abstract
Theory formation in linguistic pragmatics (viewed broadly as the social and cognitive science of language and communication), and empirical research in three areas of application : foreign language learning and language teaching, intercultural and international communication, and language technology.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verschueren Jef
- Co-promoter: Decoo Wilfried
- Co-promoter: Goossens Lodewijk J
- Co-promoter: Goossens Luc
Funding
- IUAP
Project type(s)
- Research Project
ATLAS : adaptive testing of linguistic achievement
Abstract
The ATLAS-project aims at the development of a computer assisted adaptive language testing system. The first module allows to test vocabulary both in French and in Dutch. Each year, language proficiency of ten to twenty thousand civil servants will be tested.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- FED. MIN.
Project type(s)
- Research Project
RESIF : relevant sound information filter
Abstract
Within the scope of this project, the relevant conditions for integrating speech components in language courseware are being studied. The final objective is the development of a user interface for externally versatile courseware, which could be directed by a voice recognition systemResearcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
Funding
- BOF
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Decoo Wilfried
- Fellow: Van Elsen Edwig
Funding
- FWO
Project type(s)
- Research Project