Aleisha Lewis SPANISH METHODS FOR THE PRIMARY GRADES

07/10/2022

Summary

CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference. It describes language

ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a
language. I believe the European method can be seen as a comprehensive way of what language
learners must learn to do to use a language for communication and what knowledge and skills,
they must develop to be able to act effectively. Moreover, it will be a great addition to a
classroom. As from the reading Teachers and government officials have positively accepted the
framework in some areas.

However, it will bring Challenges especially to our small country like Belize. Belize has
such as limited knowledge of such framework, minimum exposure and low level of awareness
about CEFR might hinder the smoothness of the whole process”. I really do believe that Belize
challenges are minor challenges, and they could be worked on, and it could be fully implemented
in our education system since it has so many advantages. For me, as a student and a future
educator, CEFR can be a great stimulus, which fills me with a sense of triumph as I climb the
language ladder. It can also help me find the correct learning materials that suits my current
level. The CEFR divides general competences in knowledge, skills, and existential competence
with communicative competences in linguistic competence, sociolinguistic competence, and
pragmatic competence.

When it comes to linguistic competence, I would consider myself as a B1. As a B1 user, I

know a lot more than those who have A1-A2, but my abilities fall far short of what I would need,
to have a fluent conversation on my subject of interest. The good thing of being at B1 is I know a
little of the grammar as it was stressed throughout my time at primary and secondary education.
I would really try to improve my Spanish on my own but is a little bit challenging. Being a B1, I
can deal with most of the conditions that are likely to occur while travelling to places where only
Spanish is used. Not only that, but I can also initiate and maintain close direct face-to-face
conversations in Spanish for a little while on something that I am interested in or on topics that
are familiar to me although I am still far from being fluent. It is less awkward when being in
places with a lot of people who do not the language as well as me. It is so easy for me to make
friends with people who share my personal interest because there are always things to talk about
Aleisha Lewis SPANISH METHODS FOR THE PRIMARY GRADES
07/10/2022

with them. But sometimes I cannot help but be conscious about my grammar although I can keep
the conversation flow a little bit at a slow pace.

As for the strategic competence, I would consider myself as a B1 as well. I find that when
I participate in a conversation that talks about topics that I am not familiar with or if I cannot
understand what someone is saying to me in that specific language, I usually avoid having
discussion with them altogether. In some cases, I would try to fish out what they are saying,
however if I do not understand I shy away. For example, in my Spanish class, my Spanish
teacher would often speak to us in Spanish, I would not answer unless he calls in me, and if he
does and I do not understand what is being asked I asked for clarification. Often, I would wing it
and make an independent guest Since I am still at B1. furthermore, sometimes it takes time to
find the correct word to make them understand me more, but I always manage to go through it.

Finally, I wish to eventually achieve C2, the highest level of the CEFR. Although I am a
student and we are expected to graduate with C1, my absolute goal as future educator and a
student is to graduate with C2. Because users at C2 can understand everything they hear or read
and by achieving C2, I can easily make my conversation flow more smoothly and I can express
myself with fluency and spontaneity. Moreover, it will bring benefit to my student so I can learn
to teach them effectively with the information which I have gathered. I can also implement the
CEFR language activities to my students which are reception production, interaction, and
mediation to make my future Spanish class interesting and engaging as I will already know the
levels of my student. In conclusion with the knowledge that I have and the awareness of my level
I believe I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. With regular exposure to English contents and
practice, there is still time for me to reach my goal.