The role of self-assessment in foreign language teaching in higher education: fostering autonomy, reflection, and linguistic competence

Аннотация

In recent years, self-assessment has emerged as a transformative strategy in foreign language education, particularly in higher education. This article explores the theoretical and practical benefits of integrating self-assessment to enhance linguistic skills such as speaking and writing while fostering learner autonomy, critical thinking, and self-regulation. Through a qualitative synthesis of existing literature, the study examines three classroom approaches: rubric-guided evaluation, peer review integration, and reflective journaling. Findings indicate that self-assessment empowers students to critically evaluate their progress, align their learning strategies with goals, and engage in deeper reflective practices. Challenges, including student preparedness and cultural resistance, are also discussed. The article concludes with practical recommendations for educators to effectively implement self-assessment frameworks in tertiary language programs. Keywords: Self-assessment, foreign language education, learner autonomy, reflective practices, higher education, linguisticcompetence.