CEFR & Resources

Introduction

EAQUALS has played a leading role in the introduction of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the European Language Portfolio (ELP) in language education. This experience, its ongoing work in the accreditation of institutions offering CEFR-oriented language courses, and the introduction of EAQUALS Certificates of Achievement for learners completing CEFR-aligned courses, have enabled EAQUALS to develop unique expertise in the practical application of the CEFR for planning, teaching and assessment in language learning programmes.

The CEFR is central to various current EAQUALS projects involving its Accredited and Associate Members. For example, the British Council / EAQUALS "Core Inventory for English" was launched recently. The intention of this Inventory is to make the CEFR more accessible to teachers and adult learners of General English. It is an attempt to answer the questions put by many teachers over the years about what to teach at each CEFR level. It maps the communality of interpretation of the CEFR for English in terms of curriculum content for 16+. The Core Inventory can be downloaded here

Key EAQUALS people have been involved in the CEFR project from its inception (1991) to the present day. CEFR standardisation packs, training materials, case studies, self-help guides and descriptor banks are all available on the EAQUALS website. For further information, please contact the EAQUALS Secretariat.

 

Resources

The EAQUALS Accreditation Scheme includes criteria relating to language curricula and syllabuses and to assessment of progress and achievement that refer to the incorporation of CEFR levels and principles. To assist EAQUALS members and would-be members in this area through its system of Special Interest Projects run by members for members, EAQUALS has developed a number of resources. The first of these is a set of general reference documents which provide basic orientation to the CEFR. The other resources fall into four main areas: