Understanding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in Language Teaching

 

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a fundamental tool in language teaching and assessment. In this article, we'll explore what the CEFR is, its importance in language teaching, its level structure, and how you can incorporate it into your classes. We'll also discuss language certification exams for various languages that use the CEFR and their relevance.

What is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and Why is it Important?

The CEFR is an international standard that defines language proficiency levels for learners, from beginner to advanced. Developed by the Council of Europe, it provides a common basis for designing curricula, exams, and educational materials across Europe. Using the CEFR in language teaching offers several benefits:

• Uniformity: It provides a standardized scale to measure and compare students' progress.
• Clarity: It helps students understand their language skills and the steps needed to improve.
• International Recognition: Certificates based on the CEFR are recognized worldwide, facilitating academic and professional mobility.

The Levels of the Common European Framework

The CEFR is divided into six levels, each representing a stage of language proficiency:

• A1 (Beginner): The learner can understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at satisfying specific needs.
• A2 (Elementary): The learner can communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a basic exchange of information on familiar topics.
• B1 (Intermediate): The learner can handle most situations likely to arise while traveling in areas where the language is spoken.
• B2 (Upper Intermediate): The learner can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• C1 (Advanced): The learner can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
• C2 (Mastery): The learner can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read and express themselves spontaneously with great fluency and precision.

How to Incorporate the CEFR in Your Language Classes

To apply the CEFR in your classes, follow these steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Conduct a diagnostic assessment to determine your students' current CEFR level. Use a sample test to evaluate students who have previously studied the language. For complete beginners, start at level A1.
2. Planning: Design your curriculum based on the objectives of each CEFR level.
3. Materials and Activities: Use materials and activities aligned with CEFR objectives for each level. For instance, employ textbooks, online resources, and exercises specifically designed for these levels.
4. Regular Assessments: Perform periodic assessments to measure students' progress and adjust your teaching plan as needed.

Language Certification Exams and Their Importance

Several exams certify language proficiency according to the CEFR levels:

• English:
  • Cambridge English Exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE): Administered by Cambridge Assessment English, these exams correspond to CEFR levels A2 to C2.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Widely recognized and accepted by institutions globally, it covers levels A1 to C2.
• French:
  • DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française): Administered by the French Ministry of Education, covering levels A1 to C2.
• German:
  • Goethe-Zertifikat: Offered by the Goethe-Institut, covering levels A1 to C2.
• Spanish:
  • DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera): Awarded by the Instituto Cervantes, it is internationally recognized and offered at all CEFR levels.
  • SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española): Also managed by the Instituto Cervantes, it evaluates proficiency in Spanish from levels A1 to C1.
• Italian:
  • CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana): Administered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia, covering levels A1 to C2.
  • CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera): Offered by the University for Foreigners of Siena, covering levels A1 to C2.
• Japanese:
  • JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test): Offered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, covering levels N5 to N1 (Note: JLPT levels do not align exactly with CEFR but are commonly referenced).
• Portuguese:
  • CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira): Administered by the University of Lisbon, covering levels A1 to C2.

These exams are important as they provide official certification of a student's language proficiency, which can be beneficial for academic and professional purposes. Understanding these exams can help you prepare students who wish to take them.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is a valuable tool for language teaching and assessment. By understanding and applying the CEFR in your classes, you can provide a more structured and internationally recognized education to your students. This post is just an overview of the CEFR; you can find more detailed information here.

Did you know about the CEFR? How do you think you can use it in your language classes? Share your thoughts and suggestions to continue learning together!