The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was published a decade ago and has been influential ever since, not only in its European 'home' but throughout the world. This book traces the processes of the influence by inviting authors from universities and ministries in 11 countries to describe and explain what happened in their case. There are everyday factors of curriculum development – which sometimes include coincidence and happenstance – and there are also traditions of resistance or acceptance of external influences in policy-making. Such factors have always existed in bilateral borrowing from one country to another but the CEFR is a supra-national document accessible through globalised communication. The book is thus not only focused on matters of language education but is also a Comparative Education case-study of policy borrowing under new conditions.

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.

This book contains descriptor scales which describe the linguistic skills needed by language learners to become competent speakers of another language.

In response to a growing need expressed by the users of the CEFR, the Language Policy Division developed a manual and a set of accompanying tools to be used to assist in linking local language examinations to the common reference levels of language proficiency. This publication seeks to complement these tools by providing a user-friendly introduction to the process, targeting professionals with a stake in quality language testing who are not necessarily experts in testing and assessment. Relating an examination or test to the CEFR can best be seen as a process of 'building an argument'. The publication presents five inter-related sets of procedures that users are advised to follow in order to design a linking scheme in terms of self-contained, manageable activities.

The CEFR Companion volume broadens the scope of language education. It reflects academic and societal developments since the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and updates the 2001 version. It owes much to the contributions of members of the language teaching profession across Europe and beyond. This volume contains: ► an explanation of the key aspects of the CEFR for teaching and learning; ► a complete set of updated CEFR descriptors that replaces the 2001 set with: - modality-inclusive and gender-neutral descriptors; - added detail on listening and reading; - a new Pre–A1 level, plus enriched description at A1 and C levels; - a replacement scale for phonological competence; - new scales for mediation, online interaction and plurilingual/pluricultural competence; - new scales for sign language competence; ► a short report on the four-year development, validation and consultation processes. The CEFR Companion volume represents another step in a process of engagement with language education that has been pursued by the Council of Europe since 1971 and which seeks to: ► promote and support the learning and teaching of modern languages; ► enhance intercultural dialogue, and thus mutual understanding, social cohesion and democracy; ► protect linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe; and ► promote the right to quality education for all.

Helping learners to learn: portfolios, self-assessment, and strategy instruction - The CEF in course design and in teacher education - Finding out what learners can do - Designing syllabus and materials.

This volume explores the process of aligning language tests with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

A "must-have" manual intended to promote quality plurilingual education, facilitate greater social mobility and stimulate reflection and exchange between language professionals for curriculum development and in teacher education. The CEFR Companion volume broadens the scope of language education. It reflects academic and societal developments since the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and updates the 2001 version. It owes much to the contributions of members of the language teaching profession across Europe and beyond. This volume contains: (i) an explanation of the key aspects of the CEFR for teaching and learning; (ii) a complete set of updated CEFR descriptors that replaces the 2001 set with: (a) modality-inclusive and gender-neutral descriptors; (b) added detail on listening and reading; (c) a new Pre-A1 level, plus enriched description at A1 and C levels; (d) a replacement scale for phonological competence; (e) new scales for mediation, online interaction and plurilingual/pluricultural competence; (f) new scales for sign language competence; (iii) a short report on the four-year development, validation and consultation processes. The CEFR Companion volume represents another step in a process of engagement with language education that has been pursued by the Council of Europe since 1971 and which seeks to: (i) promote and support the learning and teaching of modern languages; (ii) enhance intercultural dialogue, and thus mutual understanding, social cohesion and democracy; (iii) protect linguistic and cultural diversity in Europe; and (iv) promote the right to quality education for all.

This volume gives an overview of the impact of the CEFR on teaching and assessment, as well as the extensive debate surrounding the framework.