Key challenges of interactive SI-PASS sessions for practicing foreign language with an emphasis on SFL : A study on the challenges faced by SI-ledare and supervisors in the sessions for first-year students in the virtual university environment in Sweden

This investigation focuses on identifying the challenges that arise in the transition of SI-PASS from face-to-face instruction to the virtual environment, through the specific case of Spanish 1 from the perspective of SI leaders and supervisors within the Swedish university context. In addition, the study evaluates the strategies that prove to be most suitable for this type of online learning. To achieve the objective, a qualitative methodological approach is applied through the use of semi-structured interviews. Among the main findings are the general challenges identified, such as the complexity of the digital Spanish 1 SI leader. In addition, the need to evaluate and adapt the physical strategies suggested by the European SI-PASS Center to the field of language learning in virtual sessions. Likewise, the special training required for the SI leader to use the applications needed for online ELE SI-PASS, and the time investment required for planning. With regard to challenges to L2 practice, it is confirmed that the SI leader assumes a central role in managing virtual SFL sessions, as they possess the necessary knowledge to design them in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Furthermore, the findings indicate that oral interaction is the skill most affected in videoconferencing contexts; however, this challenge can be mitigated through the use of appropriate pedagogical scaffolding. Finally, one of the key strategies for conducting more effective sessions in the virtual Spanish 1 environment is the application of the session structure proposed by the European Center for SI-PASS, adapted to the digital context.