Junior Investiga

Common European Framework (CEFR)

What is CEFR?

The Common European Framework provides a common basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, examinations, textbooks, etc. across Europe (). It is a complex structure that provides enough criteria to evaluate different process while acquiring a language. Through levels or categories each students can know what they have to learn in order to be an effective speaker.

The Common European Framework is intended to overcome the barriers to communication among professionals working in the field of modern languages arising from the different educational systems in Europe (). This is the main goal of the CEFR, to provide a standard scenario to evaluate the efficiency of the learners in order to make the communication process easier and faster. Even though it is not seen as a regulation or mandatory issue, the CEFR is considered one of the most important rubrics in order to be internationally admitted in many universities or jobs.

It provides the means for educational administrators, course designers, teachers, teacher trainers, examining bodies, etc., to reflect on their current practice, with a view to situating and co-ordinating their efforts and to ensuring that they meet the real needs of the learners for whom they are responsible (). This reference provides a holistic vision of the teaching-learning process. Given that the CEFR not only implements some norms and regulations for students but also for teachers, environments, contents, and other aspects the procedure is one of the most used not only in Europe but also world wide.

Developed through a process of scientific research and wide consultation, this document provides a practical tool for setting clear standards to be attained at successive stages of learning and for evaluating outcomes in an internationally comparable manner (). In Costa Rica is used to evaluate English teachers and give them tenure, in the Centro Cultural, and also in all secondary schools under BI (Bachillerato Internacional) regulation.

The CEFR is of particular interest to course designers, textbook writers, testers, teachers and teacher trainers - in fact to all who are directly involved in language teaching and testing. It facilitates a clear definition of teaching and learning objectives and methods and provides the necessary tools for assessment of proficiency (). I consider the CEFR as a reference that provides reliability to any evaluation process. There are so many reasons that support its effectiveness and make it a source for teachers and learner as well. After to check some of the links provided in the web I sincerely recommend this one for you to get extra data about CEFR www.coe.int/portfolio