Keeleõppe

Keeleõpe (Estonian for language teaching and learning) is the field within education that studies how languages are taught and learned. It covers instruction in a first language (L1) as well as second and foreign languages (L2, L3), and applies to multilingual and bilingual settings.

The field encompasses curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment, materials development, teacher education, and program evaluation. Its aims include developing communicative competence across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as intercultural awareness and language learning strategies. Methods range from traditional approaches to modern communicative and task-based frameworks, and the use of digital tools and online learning is increasingly common.

In Europe, keeleõpe often aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to describe proficiency levels. Estonia’s education system has emphasized language proficiency for social integration and literacy, with foreign language learning integrated into primary and secondary schooling, as well as higher education and adult education. Classroom practices typically emphasize interactive communication, learner-centered approaches, and authentic language use.

Assessment in keeleõpe combines formative assessment, ongoing feedback, and summative testing, with a growing emphasis on performance-based tasks that reflect CEFR criteria. The field also addresses issues of inclusion, access to language education, and the use of technology to support learning. Research areas include second-language acquisition, teacher professional development, digital language learning, and the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches.