Multifunctionality as a Feature of Modern Education: Evidence from University Language Education

Abstract

The article deals with the phenomenon of multifunctionality in the education context, particularly in university foreign language education, considering teacher and student activities, materials and texts, as well as technologies and tasks. It demonstrates the need for the development and application of specific educational tools which are based on complex goal focus and expected integral outcomes of university education. Multifunctional tasks are considered to be an effective way to form and to enhance both key and subject-specific competences. The article describes the main characteristics of such tasks and the essential conditions to implement them in university foreign language classrooms. Examples of multifunctional tasks intended for foreign language learning are presented and their potential for teaching non-language subjects is also outlined.