Getting to know the CEFR: An introduction to the Common European Framework of Reference
The next Nara JALT event is co-hosted by the JALT CEFR and Language Portfolio SIG and features two speakers: Jack Bower, a local chapter member now working at Tezukayama University, and Gary Cook from the Hiroshima Bukyo University.
Speakers:
Presentation 1: Jack Bower (Tezukayama University)
Suggestions and Resources for Using the CEFR in Language Education
Presentation 2: Gary Cook (Hiroshima Bunkyo University)
The CEFR Shuffle: Getting Familiar with Can-do Statements
Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2019
Time: 14:00-17:30
Venue: Nara Women’s University (S-Building, Room 228)
https://jaltnara.wordpress.com/venues/
Fee: Free for JALT members. ¥1,000 for non-members.
Presentation 1 (14:15~15:30): Jack Bower (Tezukayama University)
Suggestions and Resources for Using the CEFR in Language Education
The Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) has become increasingly influential in foreign language education around the world. However, many language teachers remain unfamiliar with the CEFR and unsure of how it can be used to improve foreign language curricula and classroom practice. This presentation will give a brief overview of the CEFR followed by succinct explanations of four major uses the CEFR for language teachers. These uses are:
1. for setting language proficiency goals for programs, courses and lessons
2. for fostering learner autonomy
3. for designing classroom assessments
4. for language teacher professional development
For each of these areas practical suggestions will be made, and participants will be directed to further resources.
Biography: Jack Bower is an associate professor at the Tezukayama University general education centre. He has taught English at Japanese Universities for over ten years and he recently graduated with a PhD from Macquarie University. His research interests include curriculum development and language assessment.
Presentation 2 (16:00~17:15): Gary Cook (Hiroshima Bunkyo University)
The CEFR Shuffle: Getting Familiar with Can-do Statements
Since 2012, staff at Hiroshima Bunkyo University have been involved in creating curricula with the CEFR as a guide for its language learning center; the Bunkyo English Communication Center (BECC). One aspect of the CEFR, Can Do statements, form the basis of goals incorporated into many of the 18 courses offered at the BECC. While staff had participated in CEFR-focused professional development, little had been done for students to raise their awareness of the CEFR. From 2017, 31 first-year students were introduced to an activity dubbed the ‘CEFR-shuffle’: a sorting exercise utilizing self-assessment descriptors. Those students were then asked to repeat the CEFR-shuffle once each year. This workshop will introduce the results of students’ performance from the ‘CEFR-shuffle’ over 3 years, and ask participants to take part in a descriptor-sorting exercise in which they can experience how useful this activity could be for themselves and their students to become familiarized with the CEFR.
Biography: Gary Cook has been a lecturer and coordinator at Hiroshima Bunkyo University since 2011. He has previous teaching experience in Spain, France, England, Georgia, and his native New Zealand. His research interests are in the areas of curriculum development and the CEFR.
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