Adapting the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to the Local Context
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Transcript of Adapting the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to the Local Context
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Adapting the Common European Framework (CEF) to the
Local Context
TESOL Students Conference 3 July 2012School of EducationUniversity of Leeds
Procedures, Challenges and Solutions`
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
ContentThe ContextThe need for the change:ProceduresThe new frameworkChallenges & solutions
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The context
1. English status in the community
2. The institute (Lantech Institute)
3. English courses
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The need for the change
1. The ambiguity of the existing frameworks all over the area.
2. The increasing demand for international exams.3. The need for quality assurance of the English
teaching process. 4. The weak outcomes of the English teaching
programs all over the area.
The need for the reform
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Procedures1. Forming a committee2. Searching for an international reference framework.3. Consulting local and foreign experts.4. Selecting a reference framework (CEFR).5. Adapting the framework in form of leveled courses6. Selecting/adapting/ designing the teaching materials7. Consulting some experts to ensure the new
framework quality.8. Piloting and applying the new framework
Meeting regularly and evaluating each stage
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
SELECTING A REFERENCE FRAMEWORK
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Selecting a reference framework
1. a six-level framework of language performance
2. states general objectives to be achieved for each stage rather than examining them.
3. most of the well-known international examination board claims the relationship of their exams to the Framework.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Selecting a reference framework
A Basic User A1 Breakthrough A2 Waystage
B Independent User B1 Threshold B2 Vantage
C Proficient User C1 Effective Operational Proficiency C2 Mastery
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Selecting a reference framework
An example of the CEFR description:Reading: • A1: I can understand familiar names, words and very simple
sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
• C2: I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works.
http://www.uta.fi/kielikeskus/CEF/CEF.htm
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The New framework
• A 22-level framework comprising 1060 classroom hours
• Assumed 2120 hours for home and self study the more advanced the course, the more self study hours
assigned
• Four exam-preparation courses of 40 hours after each stage
Depends on the exam the learners would like to set for
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Relationship with CEF* Stage/ Level No. Course name** Period
(hours)Samples of the relat.
With intl. exams Access
(for children)A Starters 30 B Movers
Basic
1. Beginners A 50 2. Beginners B 50 3. Elementary A 50
A1+ 4. Elementary B 50
Independent
5. Pre-Intermediate A 50 A2 6. Pre-Intermediate B 50 KET, IELTS(3), 7. Intermediate A 50
B1 8. Intermediate B 50 PET, IELTS(4), TOEFL(57-86)Optional exam preparation course 40
Advanced
9. upper- Intermediate A 50 10. upper- Intermediate B 50
11. Advanced A 50 B2 + 12. Advanced B 50
Optional exam preparation course 40 FCE, IELTS(5.5),
Proficient A
13. Proficient A 1 50 14. Proficient A 2 50 15. Proficient A 3 50
C1 16. Proficient A 4 50
Optional exam preparation course 40 CAE, IELTS(6.5- 7.0),
Proficient
B
17. Proficient B 1 50 18. Proficient B 2 50 19. Proficient B 3 50
C2 20 Proficient B 4 50 CPE, IELTS(7.5+), Optional exam preparation course 40
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The course materials
• Headway plus• Supplementary materials assigned by the department
committee• 20% of the time of each course left for free activities flexible
for the teacher’s and learners’ choice
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The results
• Clear understanding of what we do• Massive increasing rate of the numbers of learners• Learners continues to take more courses• More trust from the learners, parents and organisations• More recognition to the institute certificate
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Sample of the Certificate - Front
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Sample of the Certificate - Back
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
The Main Challenges & Solutions
1. Assigning a sequenced series of levels 2. Giving a detail description to each level of our
framework3. Selecting/adapting or designing the teaching
materials4. Placement tests5. Teachers6. Learners and Community7. Length of the program
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Adapting the CEFR to the Local Context
The ContextThe need for the change:ProceduresThe new frameworkChallenges & solutions
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Work with a clear vision of the end
ADAPTING THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK (CEF)
Thanks for ListeningQuestions
Fadhel Abdullah [email protected]