This brief overview of the CEFR from a MFL teacher’s perspective was presented at the PDST MFL Alive seminar (Maynooth, Nov 7th, 2015).
Starting with the ‘bigger picture’, including the CEFR origin and purpose but also its dynamic/’work in progress’ nature and its widespread and spreading impact, it then stresses the core pedagogical function of the CEFR, i.e. language learning and teaching centered around an action-oriented definition of language, before touching on the second core function of the CEFR as a widely recognised reference for assessment and testing, and for exams and certification purposes. Finally, it points out that MFL teachers already have a tool which allows them to translate the CEFR into their classroom practice, i.e. the ELP. Crucially it invites teachers to adopt the principles and process behind the ELP and follow a whole school approach to the development of a language learning portfolio relevant to their own context and inclusive of the CEFR principles.
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