The study evaluates the potentially relative effectiveness of Moodle as one of the virtual learning environments applied to develop English language skills, foster metacognitive awareness and promote learner autonomy in university settings. The respondents from Mykolas Romeris University and Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences were asked to express their attitude towards Moodle learning environment and assess their views on the improvement of language skills as well as fostering their metacognitive awareness and sense of autonomy in English language learning. The object of the research was students’ evaluation of Moodle as an online English language learning environment. The research revealed that students find Moodle platform motivating in the improvement of their language learning skills. It was also established that using Moodle platform helps to develop metacognitive awareness and fosters learner autonomy.

Learning a foreign language is a process that demands a lot of efforts which should be supported by something that can help to achieve goals of learning. Motivation is responsible for most of our thoughts and deeds. Human motivation is extremely complex both to account for and understand. This paper explores the significance of motivation as a contributing factor in foreign language acquisition. Motivation is the learner's orientation with regard to the goal of learning a foreign language. Motivation is divided into several types: intrinsic, extrinsic, instrumental, integrative, achievement motivation. The aim of this paper is to try to get an insight into motivating factors of EFL students at the

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The Bologna Process envisioned the idea of the development of transversal skills in the course of higher education. Recent research on education acknowledges the fact that higher education including university studies is already facing the turn towards inclusive transversal skills development. The current research focuses on the development of student transversal skills in university studies. It is aimed at the investigation of the phenomenon of the development of student transversal skills in university studies. The objective of higher education covers more than simply employability of graduates although employment outcomes are important. Higher education is a versatile process, which provides students with the possibilities to develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes in order to enable them to actively participate in the wider society by being involved in active citizenship and successful professional careers. Our research reveals that the development of transversal skills depends on both internal personal characteristics and external social factors including colleague influence, exchanging ideas and also institutional impact. The research participants also reveal their perception that their transversal skills are substantially improved on their university studies; however, they also stress their perceived needs for developing certain transversal skills which are necessary in professional work life, such as communication and foreign languages, ability to apply innovations and creativity, analytical skills and critical thinking, learning to learn and time management.

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