Common European Framework Of Reference Research Articles

In Quest for Reliable English Language Testing Practices in Secondary Education

This paper reports on the current English language teaching context and reformed foreign language policies in the Republic of Serbia. Although the objectives, contents and outcomes formulated in national curricula for all educational levels have been designed in compliance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, there is not much evidence on the learning outcomes achieved by students at the end of secondary education. In other words, there are no standardized testing practices present in the secondary education system that would, on the one hand, objectively show to which extent the prescribed outcomes have been achieved, and, on the other, serve as a diagnostic tool that pinpoints which aspects in teaching, learning and assessment practices should be improved. This paper focuses on the issue of assessment and draws attention to the need to introduce reliable testing practices of foreign languages that would serve as the objective indicators of the outcomes achieved, which would, in turn, provide feedback on teaching and learning practices. Through the analysis of the results obtained from grammar, vocabulary and reading tests taken by a group of secondary school graduates, the most common errors have been detected and explained. The results show that the commonest errors result from the lack of understanding of the use of English in a context that demands more than just a straightforward application of rules as used in isolated sentences, and the most demanding reading tasks comprised inference and implication questions. This study aims to research the errors and, subsequently, to investigate the implications relevant in English language teaching and testing and point at the segments that need to be worked on more in English language classes.

Reflections on working for the Council of Europe

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is one of the best known publications from the Council of Europe throughout the world (Byram and Parmenter 2012). It is known to the many kinds of readership for which it was designed: language teachers, assessment specialists, policy makers, inspectors, teacher educators and others including, not least, language learners. The latter are perhaps not aware of the publication but they do know about different levels and can describe their competence as A1 or B2 etc.

Mapping the SMEEA Gaokao tests to the CEFR

This paper reports on a project where the Shanghai Municipal Educational Examinations Authority (SMEEA) engaged Cambridge University Press and Assessment (Cambridge) to begin the alignment process of their six foreign language tests to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) (Council of Europe, 2001, 2020). These six language tests are developed by SMEEA and form part of China’s National College Entrance Examination system. They are referred to as China’s National College Entrance Examination (Shanghai Paper), or the Shanghai Gaokao. This project was undertaken to enable a comparison of the relative difficulty of each language version of the Shanghai Gaokao, in terms of the CEFR. Additional project aims were to carry out training in the CEFR and in CEFR mapping procedures, using a blend of online delivery and a cascaded training model. This project took place between September 2021 and January 2022, involving a series of linked training and mapping activities and workshops. In this paper the focus is on the practical aspects of a computer mediated CEFR mapping project, on our reflections and recommendations, and on the participant feedback. Some outcomes are included which are directly related to the CEFR, but not any outcomes which are confidential.

The CEFR CV revisited: Aligning didactic audiovisual translation to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

This paper explores how the Action-oriented Approach (AoA) sits within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and its recently released version of the Companion Volume (COE 2020). It discusses updates carried out to the Framework, which includes mediation acquiring a pivotal role, the creation of new categories and illustrative descriptors, including those for sign language, as well as the emphasis given to plurilingual and pluricultural competences among other aspects that have recently been revised, but giving particular attention to the impact of mediation in language learning. This paper also investigates the differences between the AoA and previous communicative trends by looking at the type of syllabus used for each methodological approach. Didactic audiovisual translation (DAT), that is the application of audiovisual translation (AVT) practice to the language learning setting, is perceived as a mediation strategy for learners. With the incorporation of sign languages to the last version of the CEFR/CV, and the subsequent emphasis on accessibility features, this paper promotes the idea that all DAT modes can be included within the Framework, but in particular didactic audio description (DAD) and SDH (subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing). Therefore, a new category to accommodate DAT modes to the CEFR/CV, and DAD’s corresponding illustrative descriptors have been developed.

CEFR vocabulary level as a predictor of user interest in English Wiktionary entries

This contribution explores the relationship between the English CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) vocabulary levels and user interest in English Wiktionary entries. User interest was operationalized through the number of views of these entries in Wikimedia server logs covering a period of four years (2019–2022). Our findings reveal a significant relationship between CEFR levels and user interest: entries classified at lower CEFR levels tend to attract more views, which suggests a greater user interest in more basic vocabulary. A multiple regression model controlling for other known or potential factors affecting interest: corpus frequency, polysemy, word prevalence, and age of acquisition confirmed that lower CEFR levels attract significantly more views even after taking into account the other predictors. These findings highlight the importance of CEFR levels in predicting which words users are likely to look up, with implications for lexicography and the development of language learning materials.

Developing CEFR-based mediation rating scales for standardized exams at state language schools in Andalucia (Spain)

In 2017, the publication of a new national curriculum for the teaching of foreign languages at Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas – the network of state Official Schools of Languages – in Spain signaled the top-down inclusion of mediation as a part of the already existing standardized proficiency exams to certify the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. The Junta de Andalucia [Andalusian Regional Government] commissioned a team of four educators from those schools to develop the rating scales for mediation that would be used as evidence of language competence in certification assessment from 2019 onwards. This study addresses the 5-year challenging process of developing rating scales aligned with mediation descriptors in the CEFR Companion Volume (COE 2018, 2020; Spanish version 2021; henceforth CEFR/CV), adapted to their specific regional educational context, and informed by classroom practice. We describe our educational context, and the changes experienced from 2019 to 2023: from merging mediation into the written interaction task and rating scale, through genuine written mediation tasks and rating scales, to an eventual hybrid model at present. In this study, we also aim to reach some conclusions, inviting the use of the latest rating scales we have developed for official language certification.

Causes of Low Communicative Competences in English as a Foreign Language: Considerations and Reflections

Mastering English as a lingua franca has become a first-rate skill for new professionals in most jobs around the world. According to the bilingualism policies in Colombia it is expected that students from higher education achieve a level of English between B1 or B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), with students from bachelor degree programs in foreign languages, the level must be C1, in this sense the Ministry of Education has implemented projects and strategies to get a bilingual professional with high communicative competences, according to the demands of the globalized world. However, most students show low levels of communicative proficiency in English according to the results of the test applied by ICFES. Despite the demands of learning English, weaknesses persist in the mastery of communicative competences. A constant concern is to investigate some causes of low communication skills in this language. This article presents the results of some research conducted in various countries around the world that has attempted to investigate these causes. The causes, according to the results of the research, have to do with social and cultural aspects, but more importantly, teacher performance is one of the most frequent causes. This requires special attention to start programs and projects aimed at training teachers in didactic competencies.

AN APPLICATION OF VIDEO SCREENCAST FEEDBACK ON WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: A CASE STUDY

Most research on screencast feedback has focused on student’s writing progress without scrutinizing the attitude of students towards this type of feedback, especially in the context of developing countries. This research was carried out to explore the perspectives of Vietnamese foreign language students on screencast feedback in their writing practices. Participants were two B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for languages - CEFR) students who had studied academic writing for a year during which they had only received oral and written feedback. In this study, a three-month experiment was performed to provide video-based feedback to ensure the participants had enough time to experience this new type of feedback. Afterwards, two indepth interviews were conducted. The results revealed that both students expressed their favorable attitude to screencast feedback, especially in the aspects of convenience, clarity, learning engagement and motivation stimuli. However, they also showed concern about some issues relating to technology and interaction.

Aligned ICTs to the CEFR in the Cuban foreign language teaching program.

This study examines integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) into foreign language teacher preparation aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards at a Cuban university. A mixed methods approach combined surveys, interviews, assessments and observations to evaluate effects on trainees’ communicative competence development, interpreting uneven gains across reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities. Questionnaire and assessment analysis evidenced perceived and actual progress towards CEFR alignment among fifth year versus first year students resulting from sustained ICT incorporation over their progression. However variability disadvantages persisted in some competencies. Qualitative insights emphasized technology’s enablement of contextualized practice and real-world application as instrumental for competence growth. Despite affirmative outcomes overall, optimizing consistency by motivation and engagement-focused implementations is recommended. Intensive, systematic ICT integration shows potential for helping future foreign language teachers attain key standards-based competencies. Findings inform initial teacher training advancement in Cuba and beyond.

Enjoyment and oral English proficiency in future teachers

This study analyzed the relationship between enjoyment and oral English proficiency in Peruvian future teachers. It previously validated a measurement instrument of enjoyment setting for future teachers who are learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and then delved into understanding the role of enjoyment as a predictor of oral proficiency. The sample comprised 119 students from a State Higher School of Education in Peru, randomly selected from various careers and grouped according to English language competency levels ranging from A1 to B1+ based on a subscale inspired by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Students’ oral proficiency was evaluated using a rubric covering five aspects, and enjoyment was assessed through a nine-question questionnaire. The results initially demonstrated a significant positive relationship (r = 0.900, p < 0.001) between enjoyment and oral proficiency in EFL. Secondly, a linear regression model determined that enjoyment was a highly significant predictor (β = 0.957, p < 0.001) of oral proficiency. These findings support the importance of enjoyment in developing oral proficiency as a reliable tool to predict oral proficiency in EFL in the context of EFL teacher education. This study highlighted a significant influence of enjoyment on oral proficiency in learning EFL to prospective teachers. Results analysis underscored the importance of enjoyment as a significant predictor of oral proficiency, suggesting that promoting enjoyment in the learning and teaching process can be an effective strategy to foster significant development of oral skills in English. These findings have significant implications for teacher education, emphasizing the need to integrate activities and psycho-pedagogical approaches that promote enjoyment in the English classroom. Furthermore, the proposed model was validated as a reliable tool to assess teachers’ enjoyment of learning EFL. Understanding and nurturing enjoyment in learning English can significantly enhance the oral English proficiency of future teachers and, ultimately, contribute to a more robust command of the EFL.

Un flux de activități didactice pentru dezvoltarea competenței pragmatice în limba română ca limbă străină

The following article discusses various strategies on how to develop L2 pragmatics in a classroom setting. Drawing on the importance of developing learners’ pluricultural repertoire raised by the Companion Volume of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (Council of Europe 2020), we will argue in favour of developing the pragmatic competence together with the intercultural communicative competence (Byram 1997). In the study case we suggest – ordering at the restaurant – we put forward a string of didactic activities as a possibile teaching resource for teachers of Romanian as a second language in multicultural environments. The article is divided into six sections, as follows: 1) Introduction; 2) CEFR on the pluricultural repertoire; 3) On the intercultural competence and the intercultural communicative competence; 4) Case study – teaching a directive speech act (how to order at a restaurant) in Romanian; 5) Conclusions; 6) Annex 1 to the article consisting in the transcripts used for the case study.

Exploring the Applicability of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in Shaping English Curriculum: Insights From Lecturers and Students

CEFR is now widely used as the reference in developing English language program curricula in many higher educations worldwide. The framework has not been commonly adopted in the Indonesian context and attracts scholars to investigate. This research revealed how lecturers and students perceive CEFR as the basis for curriculum development for English courses. To gain the data, 8 lecturers and 94 students were purposefully chosen as respondents and were given a questionnaire developed from C1 level CEFR descriptors. Meanwhile, some respondents were interviewed to collect in-depth information about their perceptions. The quantitative data were analyzed by computing the average score and revealed that the students have a positive perception towards CEFR with an average of 3.78. The data from the interview uncovered that both lecturers and students agreed with the CEFR descriptors for four reasons: job requirements, communication tools, community expectations, and the need to support their learning. The findings imply that the stakeholders must specify the curriculum framework in which CEFR adoption can be an option.

Lesson Learned from the Initial Phase of the Development Process of CEFR-Based Uttaradit Rajabhat University Test of English Proficiency

Background and Aims: The development of the CEFR-Based Test of English Proficiency enriches the broader field of language assessment. By sharing valuable insights into the complexities of aligning assessments with international frameworks. Thus, this academic article aims to present the lesson learned during the initial phase of the development process of the CEFR-Based Uttaradit Rajabhat University Test of English Proficiency (URU-TEP). Linking the URU-TEP to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), widely used as a reference in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, is crucial if test results are to be interpreted under the CEFR levels. Methodology: This study used the method of studying documents and related research, using thematic analysis and presenting descriptive information. Results: the finding is divided into four sections: the current state of the English proficiency test at URU, the process of developing the five-skill URU-TEP based on the CEFR, the process of obtaining test validity and reliability, and opportunities and challenges. Conclusion: The essence of the discovery is to enhance understanding in various areas. of the English proficiency testing process at Uttaradit Rajabhat University It also emphasizes consideration of the validity and reliability of the test to support quality and improve the examination process in the future.

Language Assessment at a Thai University: A CEFR-Based Test of English Proficiency Development

The increasing popularity of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in non-native English-speaking countries has generated a demand for concrete examples in the creation of CEFR-based tests that assess the four main English skills. In response, this research endeavors to provide insight into the development and validation of a CEFR-based test aimed at evaluating undergraduate students’ English proficiency for placement tests and exit exams. The CEFR served as the framework for item development while Classical Test Theory informed the test evaluation process. A sample of 2,248 first-year students participated in Testing 1 and 3,655 first- and second-year students took part in Testing 2. The results of the analysis of the multiple-choice listening and reading tests indicated favorable levels of item difficulty and discrimination indices, as well as high reliability coefficients obtained from Cronbach’s alpha, Kuder-Richardson, and split-half reliability. The correlation and regression analyses revealed close relationships between the subtests and between each subtest and the total score, supporting the test’s criterion validity. The study also demonstrated significant predictive validity on TOEIC scores. The findings of this study offer implications for the development of university-level English proficiency tests that integrate CEFR levels and CTT analysis.

Situational Syllabus in Vocabulary English for Nursing Book: Occupational Purposes

This aims to design a syllabus for "Vocabulary English for Nursing" book for occupational purposes with a specific focus on enhancing vocabulary acquisition, speaking proficiency, and pronunciation skills. This study utilizes ADDIE primarily focusing on the Analysis and Design stages. The syllabus results in ten units, each unit was designed to foster dialogue practices, simple expressions, and vocabulary enrichment. The learning competencies integrated into this syllabus align with the Independent User B1 of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. The outcome of this study includes a designed syllabus for "Vocabulary English for Nursing" book and the organization of the book. Future research will cover the further stages.

Examining the Impact of a Digital Reading Progress Tool on Saudi L2 Learners’ Reading Aloud Performance and Proficiency

: Few studies have considered the use of digital reading tools for improving the fluency and proficiency of Saudi learners of English as a second language (ESL). Hence, in this study, the researcher investigated the impact of Microsoft’s Digital Reading Progress tool on 30 Saudi ESL learners’ reading performance and proficiency. The participants were all at the B1 intermediate English language level in academic ESL, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) English language proficiency test. The students were given one reading passage per week, and the researcher examined their performance in reading aloud over a period of four weeks using the Digital Reading Progress tool. The researcher employed a quantitative analysis, including post-assessments, to measure five aspects of participants’ reading performance: mispronunciation of words, self-corrections, omissions, repetitions, and correct words per minute. The findings revealed significant improvements in participants’ reading performance, fluency, and accuracy, as evidenced by increased accuracy after engaging with the Digital Reading Progress tool, increased scores across the five rated categories, and reduced pronunciation and word omission errors. This study contributes to the growing body of research on technology-enhanced language learning by demonstrating the positive impact of the Digital Reading Progress tool on L2 learners’ reading performance and proficiency. The findings have practical implications for ESL instructors in integrating digital tools as valuable pedagogical resources for enhancing L2 reading learning and performance.

The relationship between extramural English and learners’ listening comprehension, reading comprehension, motivation, and anxiety

Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the relationship between extramural English and learners’ language proficiency. However, the majority of the studies have focussed on vocabulary knowledge. Less is known about extramural English and learners’ motivation, reading and listening proficiency. Further, few studies have focused on English-as-a-foreign language learners attending technical education. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether extramural English is related to the motivation, language anxiety, listening and reading proficiency of three distinct groups of participants: grade 6 (age 11-12), grade 8 (age 13-14) and grade 10 (age 15-16) learners. Data were collected with 108 learners. All participants were administered a questionnaire and a listening and reading comprehension test. The findings suggest that learners are frequently exposed to English in their spare time. The results also indicate that grade 6 learners were already capable of performing listening tasks at the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, even though they had not had any English lessons in school yet. Watching non-subtitled TV in English appeared to be positively related with both listening and reading proficiency. Finally, relationships were found between various extramural English activities and factors concerning motivation and anxiety.

İkinci Dil Olarak Türkçe Öğretiminde Dil Seviyelerine Göre Dilbilgisi ve Konu İçeriği Sıralaması

The sequencing of grammar and content in the instruction of Turkish as a second language is crucial. Determining which topics and grammar rules will be taught at each level poses a challenge. The studies conducted so far on the subject have been carried out both institutionally and individually. Although some studies have been conducted in accordance with the levels specified in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, Turkish should be considered separately from European languages due to its belonging to a different language family and structure. In this study, the case study model was used within the scope of qualitative research. The data were obtained through observation and document analysis and interpreted through content analysis. In light of the findings obtained, the grammar and subject teaching sequence of Turkish as a second language has been shaped according to appropriate levels. While creating this sequence, emphasis was placed on the logical relationship between language grammar content and topics. 25 (13 DBİ, 12 Kİ), A2’de 23 (9 DBİ, 14 Kİ), B1’de 18 (10 DBİ, 8 Kİ), B2’de 24 ( 19 DBİ, 5 Kİ), C1’de 22 (16 DBİ, 6 Kİ) ve C2’de (7 DBİ,  3 Kİ) it was observed that grammar and subject content headings stand out in teaching Turkish as a foreign language.

The relationship between self‐regulated learning strategy use and task engagement

AbstractDrawing on the explanatory sequential mixed‐methods design, the present study aims to investigate the relationship, if any, between self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategy use and task engagement. The participants of the study were 361 Iranian EFL students majoring in English language teaching or English language and literature for the B.A. degree, with a B1 English language proficiency level, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Questionnaire surveys, narrative frames, and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect the data remotely during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results of quantitative data analysis showed that SRL strategy use is a significant predictor of task engagement. The results of the qualitative analysis also pointed to the importance of SRL strategies, including (meta)cognitive, (meta)affective, (meta)motivational, and (meta)social strategies, to maintain task engagement. The results of the study may be used to inform English language teachers, learners, materials developers, and measurement instrument developers.

Algoritmo LECOLE: legibilidad, lecturabilidad y comprensibilidad en español

This article presents the conceptualization of three dimensions surrounding reading: comprehensibility, readability, and legibility. On one hand, readability and legibility for the traceability of reading according to the text, and comprehensibility, on the other hand, as the symbiosis between text and reader. From the perspective of the reader (comprehensibility, ability, and level of a reader to understand a text as it also depends on the skills of the message receiver) and the text itself (legibility and readability or level of difficulty that a text per se entails through its intrinsic formal characteristics) generating two new formulas that define the terms of legibility and readability (specifically in Spanish) since that of comprehensibility exists today and is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with six levels ranging from A1 to C2 according to TEECLED. Two algorithms that respond to the previous concepts have been developed from the theoretical framework. The suggested formulas of both concepts, readability and comprehensibility, have been validated with texts published in the last 10 years by the Instituto Cervantes, classified by levels A1-C2. The results show that it coincides with the A1-C2 classification of the official DELE exam texts of the Instituto Cervantes in the last 10 years by an average of over 80%.