Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment

A new model for language teaching

So what is the CEFR?

Lets see an explanation from Cambridge University

Practical application to language teaching: the descriptors

COMMON REFERENCE LEVELS

Methodological approach

Communicative language competence

Linguistic competences
Lexical knowledge Phonological knowledge Sintactical knowledge

Sociolinguistic competences
Sociocultural conditions of language use= social conventions
rules of politeness, norms governing relations between generations, sexes, classes and social groups

Pragmatic competences
Functional use of linguistic resources (production of language functions, speech acts) Mastery of discourse, cohesion and coherence, the identication of text types and forms, irony, and parody

Communicative competence is activated through language activities

Functions of the Framework in relation to the assessment of language prociency

1.For the specication of the content of tests and examinations. 2.For stating the criteria for the attainment of a learning objective, both in relation to the assessment of a particular spoken or written performance, and in relation to continuous teacher-, peer- or selfassessment. 3.For describing the levels of prociency in existing tests and examinations thus enabling comparisons to be made across different systems of qualication

What is the CEFR? Choose some of these characteristics

A curricular document A common basis, a guarantee of consistency A normative or prescriptive document A descriptive document A methodological guide A provision of options to take methodological decisions A tool to be applied directly A starting point for developing new tools A theoretical treatise A tool for reflection

Summary
THE CEFR IS NOT A curricular document A normative or prescriptive document A methodological guide THE CEFR IS A common basis, a guarantee of consistency A descriptive document A provision of options to take methodological decisions A starting point for developing new tools A tool for reflection

A tool to be applied directly

A theoretical treatise

In the example
Reflective use of the language Action-oriented approach Consciuos planning of the talking activity:
Analysis of situation (aims, conversational partner.) Review of the own knowledge (memory) Support of available sources of information Auto-assessment

The European Language Portfolio (ELP) was developed:

to support the development of learner autonomy, plurilingualism and intercultural awareness and competence to allow users to record their language learning achievements and their experience of learning and using languages

Main aims of the ELP

to help learners give shape and coherence to their experience of learning and using languages other than their first language to motivate learners by acknowledging their efforts to extend and diversify their language skills at all levels to provide a record of the linguistic and cultural skills they have acquired (to be consulted, for example, when they are moving to a higher learning level or seeking employment at home or abroad)

What else?
It is linked to CEFR because users assess themselves in relation to the CEFRs proficiency levels In an ELP all competence is valued, whether it was gained inside or outside formal education (it is the property of the learner)

Three components

Language biography
It includes a history and reports of the learners language and intercultural experiences, her or his language learning goals, and self-assessment checklists It serves to plan the learning process and to assess the progress made. Example

Language passport
It provides biographical information on a learners language learning and intercultural communication experiences, both in school and outside of school. It summarizes the learners language skills in each of the world languages they have studied outside of their native language(s) Example

Dossier
It contains samples of the learners work to illustrate the abilities and linguistic capabilities (certificates, written works, audio recordings, etc.) Example

Some examples
ELP according to the ages

Bibliography
Council of Europe. Common European Framework of Reference for languages: learning, teaching, assessment. 2001. Llorin, Susana. Entender y utilizar el marco comn europeo de referencia desde el punto de vista del profesor de lenguas. Madrid: Santillana, 2005.