Áreas de estudo da didática do francês investigadas pelos professores em formação inicial na Faculdade de Letras do Porto

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a basis for developing language education curriculum, conducting language learning and teaching, and administering language assessment. In the Indonesian context, the recently launched Kurikulum Merdeka refers to the CEFR in targeting the English Proficiency levels that should be achieved in English Subject across different schooling levels. Hence, teachers’ understanding and perceptions of the framework become important. This study aimed to examine the pre-service EFL teachers’ perception of the CEFR. A survey using a 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire and semi structured interviews were conducted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 49 pre-service EFL teachers who were selected through a random sampling technique. The results showed that the participants had positive perceptions of the CEFR but they had limited to a moderate understanding level of the CEFR. They only received limited CEFR exposure from a course in their teacher training program. They also mostly associated the CEFR with standardized testing and language certification without understanding the underlying principles of the framework. More comprehensive CEFR training for teacher candidates should be considered before Kurikulum Merdeka is compulsorily implemented. Also, the research can play a crucial role in shaping language education by influencing curriculum development, teacher training, policy decisions, quality assurance measures, student outcomes, and ongoing professional development within the field.

The study reported here investigates the validity of judgments made when aligning tests to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Listening tests operationalizing pre-defined difficulty-determining characteristics were to be aligned to CEFR levels. We employed a modified version of the item-descriptor-matching-method. Ten judges stated the CEFR descriptors they thought each item operationalizes and assigned a global CEFR level per item. We compared agreement on CEFR level judgments and CEFR descriptors quoted. Analyzing the relationship between CEFR level judgments and item ratings of difficulty-determining characteristics shed light on further criteria the judges employed. Follow-up interviews helped to triangulate the findings by examining judges’ perceptions of the alignment procedure.We found that judges relied on different criteria and CEFR descriptors to a varying degree, interpreting CEFR levels differently. There seemed little comparability in what aspects judges used to form their global CEFR judgments. Therefore, if an alignment does not take into account the meaning of the CEFR levels as expressed by existing CEFR descriptors, this raises issues with alignment validity, and hence the validity of test-score interpretation and usage. Given the impact of using CEFR aligned tests for high-stakes purposes, this article aims to shed more light on what assigning a CEFR level to a test actually means.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is intended as a reference document for language education including assessment. This article describes a project that investigated whether the CEFR can help test developers construct reading and listening tests based on CEFR levels. If the CEFR scales together with the detailed description of language use contained in the CEFR are not sufficient to guide test development at these various levels, then what is needed to develop such an instrument? The project methodology involved gathering expert judgments on the usability of the CEFR for test construction, identifying what might be missing from the CEFR, developing a frame for analysis of tests and specifications, and examining a range of existing test specifications and guidelines to item writers and sample test tasks for different languages at the 6 levels of the CEFR. Outcomes included a critical review of the CEFR, a set of compilations of CEFR scales and of test specifications at the different CEFR levels, and a series of frameworks or classification systems, which led to a Web-mounted instrument known as the Dutch CEFR Grid. Interanalyst agreement in using the Grid for analyzing test tasks was quite promising, but the Grids need to be improved by training and discussion before decisions on test task levels are made. The article concludes, however, that identifying separate CEFR levels is at least as much an empirical matter as it is a question of test content, either determined by test specifications or identified by any content classification system or grid.

This paper is an overview of Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is a test to measure and evaluate the Korean language proficiency targeting for overseas Koreans and foreigners who do not speak Korean as their first language. The TOPIK is utilized for studying in Korean universities or taking advantages of employment. Systems of the TOPIK are largely divided into TOPIK I and TOPIK II: TOPIK I is divided into the Beginner 1 and 2; TOPIK II is divided into Intermediate 1, 2, Advanced 1, and 2, all of which are equal to the measure proposed in the European common reference standard. Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is equipped with a six-step framework for language proficiency and communicative activities. This system describes knowledge, skills, cultural competence, and regulations of each step-by-step learning skill level for the purpose of communication in the private, public, and occupational areas. This paper first presents the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) that is familiar to Europeans, and compares it with the TOPIK system. First, it compares the TOPIK with the Common European Framework of Reference on the overall system, the assessment method, question types and etc. Also, it briefly examines foreign language education in Korea. Foreign language education in Korea was in abstract level as compared to the Common European Framework of Reference or topic. As in Europe, Korea also divides the language acquisition into 6 levels. It prepares the evaluation criteria for each level. Criteria and test methods can be understood by comparing the German language test and TOPIK to be carried out in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference. Test methods and criteria of the German test and TOPIK are similar, but information and instruction for testing showed at the Goethe-Institute is far more detailed than TOPIK in Korea. The problem lies in the absence of speaking test in TOPIK. In order to understand the language proficiency, speaking, listening, reading and writing in all parts should be evaluated; however, there is no speaking test in TOPIK, and it is unfortunate that there is no writing test in the beginner-level test. This is what should be improved in the future.

Background and Purpose: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised instrument for describing language skills. It describes language proficiency on a six-level scale, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have already mastered a language. The roadmap in the Malaysian Education Plan 2013-2025 sets B2 as the target for Malaysian higher education graduates as this is the level at which they can expect to get a job and function adequately in English, while graduates of English language degree programmes are expected to reach C1 when they graduate. The aim of this study is to test and verify whether it is appropriate to use only the items from B2, C1 and C2 to measure the language proficiency of Malaysian students to avoid respondent fatigue in answering the questionnaire. Methodology: A proportionate stratified random sampling method was used and four strata were defined: Strata I and II were male and female students in public institutions, Strata III and IV were male and female students in private institutions. The instrument used was a questionnaire containing demographic profiles and eight items from the CEFR Global Self-Assessment Grid. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS. Findings: The eigenvalue of 7.263 with factor loadings between 0.774 and 0.854 and the Cronbach’s alpha value for language ability of over 0.9 indicate excellent reliability of the selected items. The study found that Malaysian university students were good at understanding and discussing personal information, events, opinions and plans. However, they found it difficult to understand complex and longer texts, to use language flexibly in social and academic settings and to express themselves without constantly asking for feedback. As the current education system focuses too much on memorization, it does not contribute to the development of practical language skills. In order to improve, students should use the CEFR as a self-assessment tool. Contributions: The findings of the study contribute to the understanding of the optimization of the CEFR framework in Malaysian higher education by reducing respondent fatigue and improving the quality of self-assessment. The study provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of using CEFR-based items at B2, C1 and C2 levels in reducing fatigue, improving the quality of self-assessment and informing language teaching and learning practices. The findings can assist educators and policy makers in developing more effective language teaching and assessment strategies that promote student learning outcomes and ultimately improve the language education of Malaysian students. Keywords: CEFR rubric, ESL, self-assessment, perceived language proficiency, answering fatigue. Cite as: Tg Nur Liyana, T. M. F., Wan Nazihah, W. M, & Mimi Mazlina, M. (2024). Assessing the self-perceived language proficiency of Malaysian ESL learners in higher education utilizing the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 474-489. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp474-489

This study aims to analyze the trend of CEFR(Common European Framework of Reference) related research in South Korea using the method of a systematic review and to discuss the research fields required in relation to CEFR. The Council of Europe released the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in 2001. It acts as a standard for curriculum, teaching, learning, and evaluation. With this, thirty kinds of literature from the years 2000 to 2020 that satisfied the selection criteria were chosen from a search of CEFR-related research on English education. After the 2015 revised national curriculum was implemented, studies related to CEFR increased by 70% from 2018 in terms of publication year, and 60% of those studies used quantitative methodologies. After organizing the subjects of the studies by the Korean academic levels and CEFR levels, the data showed a focus on research for elementary and university while a wide range of CEFR levels from Basic User to Proficient User was represented. Since CEFR builds vocabulary, grammar, and language competence based on corpus data, 80% of the studies were performed in relation to the curriculum and evaluation using the corpus. However, in order to successfully apply CEFR to Korean English education, research on more detailed level settings and the linkage between each level needs to be actively conducted. More studies are necessary to adapt CEFR to the EFL context in Korea since CEFR describes communication skills that L2 learners should have, including pluricultural competence. This means a wide range of studies on CEFR are needed to expand the quality and quantity of English education in Korea.

The CEFR is currently being used globally as a guiding document for specifying the standards of language learning, teaching, and assessment. The university wherein this study takes place, assumes that its internally produced English language tests are CEFR-related because they are based on textbooks which claim affinity with the CEFR. This study investigates the validity of this assumption. The literature review suggests a wealth of studies which link a specific test or exam to the CEFR based on the technical procedures laid out in the Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR (the Manual). This study has a different approach as it investigates whether the internally produced English language tests at a Saudi Arabian university are linked/related to the CEFR from the perspectives of the academic staff who are responsible for producing the English language tests at the university wherein this study is conducted. As such, this study is situated within an interpretative case study paradigm and uses a mixed method methodology for data collection and analysis. The study showed that all the research participants share the view that the English language exams which they develop are CEFR linked/related because they are based on the learning outcomes of textbooks which, according to the publisher, are CEFR linked. In addition, the contextual issues related to the implementation of the Manual and the CEFR are to be considered. The study presents implications and recommendations for the institution and for ELT publishers who claim that their ELT materials are CEFR linked.

Published in 2001, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a reference framework which informs teaching, learning and assessment in language education, appears to be increasingly recognized, referenced and utilized in language education contexts worldwide. To date however, the extent, provenance and adoption of the collected body of knowledge concerning the CEFR has yet to be systematically analysed, rendering it difficult for any conclusions to be made about its impact. A bibliometric analysis was therefore conducted to explore the CEFR from the document’s more formal origins in 1990 to the end of 2017 for the bibliometric indicators of number of publications per year, geographical location of research, highly cited works and journals with the highest number of relevant publications. The findings show that research on the CEFR has increased significantly over the examined time. The majority of publications with a focus on the CEFR are European, but numbers are increasing in geographical areas outside of Europe, and particularly in Asia. The framework is discussed in numerous types of publications covering a range of topics in language education. These findings suggest that the CEFR has been used in contexts beyond its origins and has influenced many aspects of language education around the globe. Diffusion of innovations theory suggests that the CEFR’s impact and influence is likely to increase over the next ten years in and outside of Europe and especially in Asia.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a crucial reference framework for informing teaching, learning and assessment that has achieved worldwide prominence in language education. However, there have been concerns raised regarding the breadth of its influence across different domains and countries. Using a bibliometric approach, a sample of 770 scholarly works on the CEFR publications from the Scopus database was observed to investigate the CEFR research activity. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel for frequency analysis, VOSviewer for data visualisation, and Harzing's Publish or Perish for citation metrics and analysis. This study sought to investigate the evolution of CEFR research from its inception and subsequent trends based on source title, country and institution, and examined the citation pattern of the publication. It also discusses the fundamental themes based on the occurrences and terms of the keywords, titles and abstracts of the documents. This paper also identifies the major key players involved in the research. The findings demonstrate that the CEFR has been widely disseminated and has had a substantial impact, since the number of publications outside of Europe, such as in North America and Asia, has increased. However, cross‐country collaboration revealed a dearth of CEFR research collaboration across Asia. The findings provide essential input towards the emerging movements and issues in articles, journal performance, collaboration patterns, and research constituents, contributing to the scarce literature on the global trends of the CEFR.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) underscores the significance of communicative skills for language learners. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), established in 2001, regulates the assessment, instruction, and acquisition of languages among global learners, thereby addressing the necessity for universal standards in foreign language education. The CEFR evaluates language learners’ skill levels using a specific set of criteria and serves as a generally recognized standard for language proficiency, providing a reliable system. This study examined the influence of CEFR-aligned speaking activities on enhancing the communicative skills of Kurdish high school EFL learners in Northern Iraq. Contemporary pedagogical approaches have positioned communication competence (CC) as a pivotal element, with a significant focus on the improvement of EFL students’ communicative ability in recent years. A mixed-methods study methodology was utilized, integrating quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis techniques. The research comprised 50 high school students divided into experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 26) groups. The post-test results indicated substantial enhancements in the communicative ability of the experimental group. Qualitative findings demonstrated that the CEFR-based materials improved learners’ motivation and self- confidence in engaging and communicating in the target language. This study emphasizes sustainable development education policy improvements.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a highly influential language policy and education guide. Officially published in 2001, it's available in over 40 languages and used by individuals, institutions, and policymakers in various contexts with different aims and degrees of rigour, laying great impact on countries within and beyond Europe. Recently, due to social mobility and change, the growing plurality in communities in a worldwide brings opportunities and challenges to language education. In response to these, the Council of Europe updated the CEFR and released its Companion Volume (CEFR-CV) in 2018 (a provisional) and 2020 (the definite version). It is the responsibility and of great significance of its member states, language education agencies and together with professionals to effectively utilize both documents. This book emerged from a two-day conference held in London, gathering expanded oral presentations from the guest speakers to kickstart the vision on "Towards a Road Map for Future Research and Development," uniting diverse perspectives and essential questions.

The study conducted aimed at determining goodness of fit between lower secondary education 3rd grade Curriculum for English Language in Turkey and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages that was composed by Council of Europe to encourage other languages except for mother tongue to be spoken and to bring foreign language instruction into conformity with some standards. The study was done in light of significance Turkey attributes to foreign language education in scope of harmonization efforts with European Union and was qualitative. In research where the Document Review technique was used, Curriculum and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages were compared and contrasted in terms of objectives, content, learning and teaching process and evaluation strategies. At end of research, following results were obtained: The goals of Turkish National Education and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages had a similarity at 92 percent even though language skills were not handled on an equal basis in Curriculum. Among all language competences, Waystage (A2) Level was most referenced one in Curriculum. A1 and B1 levels were less dealt with when compared to Waystage Level. Overall Oral Production was language competence represented with most descriptors in Curriculum. All assessment tools in Curriculum were taken from European Language Portfolio.

Textbooks play a crucial role in the Arabic language learning journey for non-Arabic-speaking students at the Madrasah Aliyah level. A well-structured textbook can act as a teaching aid and a roadmap for mastering language competencies that align with both national and international standards, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. One such textbook is “اللغة العربية 2” published by Quadra in 2022 for Year 11 students. However, research on this textbook remains limited. This study aims to examine the alignment of the textbook's content with established standards while investigating indicators of speaking skill competence based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and content analysis methods, the primary data source is “اللغة العربية 2” supplemented by relevant literature. The findings indicate that the textbook meets standards for linguistic accuracy, material presentation, and visual layout. The speaking competencies are aligned with levels A2 and B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Topics like shopping and health correspond to level A2, promoting direct communication, while travel and technology fit level B1, encouraging extended speech and structured expression of experiences and opinions. Future research should explore other language skills within the same textbook for a comprehensive evaluation.

Learning is a combination formed from several elements, including materials, which can influence the achievement of learning objectives. Material elements include: textbooks, so that research on the design of Arabic reading and writing materials for beginners based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is worth doing. This study aims to determine: (1). Design of Arabic reading and writing materials for beginners based on CEFR at MTS Khoiru Ummah, Central Maluku Regency. (2). Supporting and inhibiting factors in designing Arabic reading and writing materials for beginners based on CEFR at MTS Khoiru Ummah, Central Maluku Regency. This research is a development research. Research and development include one of the methods to obtain certain new results, models, methods, strategies, ways, designs, or steps with descriptions and development of results and trials to obtain maximum results. Learning reading and writing skills continues to experience curriculum development from time to time. CEFR theory has contributed to the development of the curriculum design for learning these two Arabic language skills. This CEFR-based curriculum is designed by determining the limits of learning objectives at levels A1 and A2. CEFR has 6 levels, the lowest A1 and the highest C2 in the order of A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Levels A1 and A2 are designed for beginners in every foreign language learning based on this theory. At the beginner level, students are able to distinguish the sounds of hijaiyah letters, read and write words that are heard and seen, write and read simple phrases and sentences found around them well. Teaching materials are presented in the form of a communicative approach to make students more active and participate in the learning process by using modern learning media either in the form of materials or learning applications that support the achievement of goals. While the evaluation is presented by paying attention to the differences in students' intellectual abilities. Namely starting from easy questions then increasing in difficulty according to level. So that the curriculum for reading and writing language is presented in gradual teaching materials with familiar themes and following the development of the era and the environment of the students. Supporting and inhibiting factors in designing Arabic reading and writing materials based on CEFR at MTs Khoiru Ummah, Central Maluku Regency. a. Supporting Factors, 1) There is a curriculum used by MTs based on the 2013 curriculum for junior high school/MTs level and will implement the Merdeka curriculum at MTs. 2) Teaching staff in accordance with their fields, 3) Textbooks used. The school facilities and environment are very supportive in learning Arabic for beginners because students are required to be in the dormitory. b. Inhibiting Factors, 1) The level of student ability was not identified at the time of input or at the time of registration and entrance exams for MTs..2) The teaching materials in the textbooks used do not focus on reading and writing lessons, making it difficult for students to master Arabic reading and writing skills..

Over the last three decades neoliberal government policies have spread successfully around the world with disastrous effects on the social infrastructures of many countries. Neoliberal policies move vast amounts of public money into private hands increasing the gap between rich and poor and decimating social support services for the majority of the population. Along with health and transport, government-funded education is also among the most devastated public services. Yet, in representative democracies, these policies are initially supported by the misguided self-interests of those most deleteriously affected – lecturers, teachers, students and their families, communities and institutions. This paper analyses this effect on language education through the culturometric definition of cultural identity – a concept originally inextricably bound with the teaching of languages – examining language ‘spin’ used in achieving neoliberal policy acceptance, focusing here on the current spin of ‘diversity’. By tracing western government resourcing of value changes in language education through their international change events over the last three decades we show – in contradiction to neoliberal policy documents such as the ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment’ – how the potential diversity for student educational outcomes of language education has shrunk under neoliberal education governance to the single option of ‘employee-ment’ – the identity of an ideal employee. We evidence how culture has been stripped from language education and replaced by training employee-ment skills to current policy compliancy standards. To recover from this disaster we then deconstruct cultural diversity in language education to deduce policy amendments to the Common European Framework that would authentically increase cultural diversity as it is valued by the international community of language educators. We conclude by extrapolating the past three decades of changes in resourcing language education towards two possible futures – a future predicated on the employee-ment values of the current common framework and a future predicted by the deduced policy amendments to the framework for authentically enhancing cultural diversity through language education.