Plans of Improvement: A Resource to Enhance Performance and Autonomy in EFL Courses

Abstract

Educators in the major Bachillerato en la Enseñanza del Inglés de I y II Ciclo at Universidad Nacional have been concerned about students’ proficiency at all levels. To address this situation, the researchers conducted a study with sixteen students enrolled in the Oral Communication III course of the IV level of the major during the I cycle of 2011. This investigation analyzes the effectiveness of strategies aimed at improving the participants’ oral communication skills. The main objective is to make them aware of the need to achieve continuous growth in their proficiency. In order to accomplish this, the learners are requested to elaborate and carry out an individual plan of improvement in which they select their own tasks and assignments, mainly focusing on the skills that need further advancement. This strategy helps them not only enhance their performance but also develop skills to foster autonomous learning. The pedagogical implications on linguistic awareness analyzed in this study will provide insightful suggestions for effective learning that can be implemented in the major and other EFL programs.