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

The first book to focus on the Companion Volume from the broader perspective of the CEFR

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.

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