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

by David Little (Editor), Neus Figueras (Editor)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800410190
Publisher:	Channel View Publications
Publication date:	03/02/2022
Series:	New Perspectives on Language and Education , #104
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

David Little is a Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. He has been a regular contributor to the Council of Europe’s language education projects since the 1980s. In 2010, the National University of Ireland awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to language education in Ireland and further afield.

Neus Figueras coordinated the development of foreign language curricula and certificate examinations for adult language learners in the Catalan ministry of education in Spain for over 20 years. She has been involved in international projects and collaborated with the Council of Europe in the dissemination of the CEFR. She was one of the authors of the Manual for Relating Examinations to the CEFR (Council of Europe, 2009).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Contributors
David Little and Neus Figueras: Introduction

Part 1: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Past, Present and Future

David Little: Introduction

Chapter 1. Masashi Negishi: The Impact of The CEFR in Japan

Chapter 2. Margaret E. Malone: ACTFL and CEFR: Relationships, Influences and Looking Forward

Chapter 3. Brian North: The CEFR Companion Volume Project: What Has Been Achieved 

Part 2: The Action-oriented Approach: A Change of Paradigm?

David Little: Introduction

Chapter 4. John H.A.L. de Jong: The Action-oriented Approach and Language Testing: A Critical View

Chapter 5. Mark Levy and Neus Figueras: The Action-Oriented Approach in The CEFR and The CEFR Companion Volume: A Change of Paradigm(s)? A Case Study from Spain

Chapter 6. Constant Leung: Action-oriented Plurilingual Mediation: A Search for Fluid Foundations

Part 3: Plurilingualism, Plurilingual Education and Mediation 

David Little: Introduction

Chapter 7. Bessie Dendrinos: A Data-driven Curriculum with Mediation Descriptors for Plurilingual Education 

Chapter 8. Peter Lenz: Some Thoughts about the Testing of Mediation

Chapter 9. Déirdre Kirwan and David Little: Implementing Plurilingual Education: The Experience of an Irish Primary School

Part 4: Descriptors, Scales and Constructive Alignment

David Little: Introduction

Chapter 10. Armin Berger: Refining the Vertical Axis of the CEFR for Classroom Purposes: Local Reference Points

Chapter 11. Elaine Boyd: Commonality versus Localization in Curricula

Chapter 12. Elif Kantarcıoğlu: The CEFR Companion Volume and Mediation: An Assessment Perspective  

Part 5: Afterword

Chapter 13. Barry O’Sullivan: Making the CEFR Work: Considerations for a Future Roadmap

Index

Editorial Reviews

This edited volume provides a useful account of the application of the key concepts discussed in the CEFR, such as emphasis on the role of the learner as an active user of the language, rather than a passive receiver of language instruction, plurilingualism, and mediation. The chapters in this book can help educators explore the full potential of the application of the CEFR in their own language teaching and assessment contexts.

Educational Testing Service Spiros Papageorgiou

The authors of the different chapters are experienced users of the CEFR who provide a wide range of contrasting and complementary perspectives. Their contributions demonstrate the open, dynamic nature of the reference instrument, and while the book adopts a positive approach to the CEFR and the CV, the authors also point to issues that require further work. This publication is a timely reminder of the challenges in implementing plurilingual and intercultural education and the further potential of the CEFR and CV in that regard.

Joe Sheils

The scope and depth of this timely volume are impressive, and every researcher working with some aspect of the CEFR will find at least a few chapters to be of direct relevance. The richness of this book extends to the range of viewpoints that are given a forum. The editorial decision to leave room for contrasting viewpoints allows for a substantive discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the CEFR and its Companion Volume.

Bart Deygers