This article was written by Jennifer Murphy, FSL & ESL Consultant with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.
Students and teachers are embracing the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR) to enhance language learning in FSL programs. The CEFR is
a tool that can be used for any language and which describes various levels of
proficiency that a language learner needs in order to communicate
effectively.
In the Framework for French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools, the Ministry of Education proposes to support school boards in deepening their understanding of the CEFR to inform instructional and assessment practices.
The CEFR is comprised of levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, which
outline simple familiar communication and understanding at the A level
through to proficient and advanced fluency at the C level. It is a very
exciting new initiative for students and teachers because it emphasizes
the importance of authentic, practical and functional language. It is also
based on an action-oriented approach to language learning in which
students are engaged in creative and critical thinking, as well as problem
solving.https://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp
What could be more motivating than being invited to interact with
classmates in real-life situations with a focus on active participation
instead of passive language memorization or repetition?