Reflecting on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and its Companion Volume

Reflecting on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and its Companion Volume
Author: David Little
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2022-03-02
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1800410212

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its Companion Volume have established themselves as an indispensable reference point for all aspects of second and foreign language education. This book discusses the impact of the CEFR on curricula, teaching/learning and assessment in a wide range of educational contexts, identifies challenges posed by the Companion Volume and sheds light on areas that require further research and development. Particular attention is paid to three features of the two documents: their action-oriented approach, their focus on plurilingualism, and the potential of their scales and descriptors to support the alignment of curricula, teaching/learning and assessment. The book suggests a way forward for future engagement with the CEFR, taking account of new developments in applied linguistics and related disciplines.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Author: Council of Europe
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2002
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

This Framework has been widely adopted in setting curriculum standards, designing courses, developing materials and in assessment and certification. This compendium of case studies is written by authors who have a considerable and varied experience of using the Framework in their professional context. The aim is to help readers develop their understanding of the Framework and its possible uses in different sectors of education.

Pathways Through Assessing, Learning and Teaching in the CEFR

Pathways Through Assessing, Learning and Teaching in the CEFR
Author: Enrica Piccardo
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 100
Release: 2011-01-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9789287171597

Pathways presents an innovative way of reflecting on the multidimensionality of assessment, learning and teaching in line with the CEFR. It has been designed to support professionals at all levels. The two main components of Pathways - guide and kit - integrated by various indexes, mind maps and examples of scenarios, encourage users to work in a non linear way and to select and customize. The guide addresses those fundamental concepts in the CEFR that may not be readily transparent and that especially warrant "unpacking" for educational practices in a way that is clear and accessible for professionals, both in their pre- and in-service teacher education. The kit offers 107 worksheets, which serve as a bridge for teacher educators and teachers, to reflect on these concepts and to relate them appropriately to pedagogical practices.

The Action-oriented Approach

The Action-oriented Approach
Author: Enrica Piccardo
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
Total Pages: 475
Release: 2019-07-24
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1788924363

This book presents the background to the current shift in language education towards action-oriented/action-based teaching, and provides a theorization of the Action-oriented Approach (AoA). It discusses the concepts and theories that paved the way for the AoA and explores their relevance for the way language education is conceived and implemented in the classroom. In the process, it revisits the concept of competence and discusses the dynamic notions of mediation and plurilingualism. The authors explain the way in which the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its recent update, the CEFR Companion Volume, broaden the scope of language education, in particular in relation to the actional turn. The book provides scholars and practitioners with a research-informed description of the AoA, explains its implications for curriculum planning, teaching and assessment, and elaborates on its pedagogical implications.

CEFR-informed Learning, Teaching and Assessment

CEFR-informed Learning, Teaching and Assessment
Author: Noriko Nagai
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2020-07-21
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9811558949

This book is a practical guide to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) (Council of Europe 2001) and the CEFR Companion Volume (CEFR/ CV; COE 2018), which have increasingly been used to inform the language policies and teaching practices of countries within and outside of Europe. It helps practitioners to (i) grasp essential and core concepts of the Common European Framework of Reference, (ii) identify parts of the CEFR and the CEFR/CV as well as other CEFR-related resources and documents that are relevant for readers’ different purposes, and (iii) utilise and adapt these resources for their own needs. Written by practitioners for practitioners, this hands-on guide covers the philosophy of the CEFR, curricula, assessment, learner autonomy, the task-based approach, and teacher development. Logically explaining all aspects of the framework and its application, this manual helps readers deal with many of the difficulties encountered when using CEFR and the CEFR CV. The book will appeal to a wide audience, including teacher educators; curriculum and materials developers; examination boards unfamiliar with the CEFR; university language departments and language centres responsible for developing their own curricula, teaching/learning approaches and assessment instruments; and policy-makers wanting to learn more about the implications of adopting the CEFR. It is a guidebook, a reference book and a workbook all in your hand.

The Common European Framework of Reference

The Common European Framework of Reference
Author: Michael Byram
Publisher: Multilingual Matters
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2012-06-06
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1847697305

A comparative study of the impact of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages produced by the Council of Europe in 2001, this book asks writers in European countries and countries in the Americas and Asia to explain the influence of the CEFR. For each country there is a policy-maker and an academic perspective.

Exploring Modern Greek as a Second, Foreign, and Heritage Language

Exploring Modern Greek as a Second, Foreign, and Heritage Language
Author: Marina Mattheoudakis
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2024-09-10
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 1040089399

Exploring Modern Greek as a Second, Foreign, and Heritage Language considers the diverse educational contexts within which Modern Greek is taught and how these diverse contexts substantially alter the requirements for materials, teacher training, and instructional practices. Divided into three parts, this book systematically examines the teaching of Greek as a second, foreign, and heritage language for students in Greece and further afield. The methodologies vary from interviews to case studies and introduce innovative approaches such as experiential learning, creative writing, and theatrical practices designed to create a more holistic learning experience. The in-depth studies provided in this collection are designed to raise awareness of the unique challenges and different needs arising in the Greek language classroom and the implications for teachers and learners. This book will be essential reading for educators, researchers, and policy makers interested in the teaching of Greek as a second, foreign, or heritage language.

Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching

Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching
Author: Fernández Álvarez, Miguel
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 307
Release: 2023-08-25
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1668482142

English language programs depend on the effective assessment of the measure of student proficiency for purposes of placement, advancement, and completion. A variety of approaches may be adopted depending on the program, its objectives, and the students it serves. Teachers and administrators in many contexts may also be required to meet institutional accountability expectations, often externally imposed and related to accreditation standards. The need for appropriate and accurate assessment of student learning, whether internally sought or externally required, provides the opportunity for teachers and administrators to consider current practices, implement reforms, and because of ongoing assessment findings, improve student learning through curricular change, teacher training, and modification of classroom practice. Global Perspectives on Effective Assessment in English Language Teaching explores approaches, models, principles, and techniques related to effective assessment at the classroom and program levels. Covering topics such as language program evaluation, curriculum alignment, and alternative assessment methods, this book is ideal for classroom teachers, administrators, researchers, and students.

The European Language Portfolio

The European Language Portfolio
Author: David Little
Publisher: Council of Europe
Total Pages: 56
Release: 2011-01-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9789287171610

The European Language Portfolio aims to foster the development of learner autonomy, intercultural awareness and plurilingualism. Teachers of particular languages working on their own can use the ELP to promote learner autonomy, but the goals of intercultural awareness and plurilingualism invite us to use the ELP in all foreign language classes at all levels in the school. The guide introduces the language education policy that underpins the ELP, explores the key concepts that it embodies, and explains how to plan, implement and evaluate whole-school ELP projects. The ten case studies published on the project website illustrate various dimensions of ELP use and include practical suggestions and activities for teachers and learners.