The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The article presents the results of seventeen years (2001 – 2018) study of professors’ familiarity with the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment" (CEFR), including the related publications, and the academicians’ ability to use the developed common reference levels of language proficiency, illustrative descriptors and scales in their practice. As known, the CEFR has been recognised as one of the Council of Europe key publications in the field of learning and teaching foreign languages in European countries, including Ukraine. The main achievements in the use of the developed guidances presented in the publication are analysed. A brief description of other Council of Europe publications, directly related to the CEFR, is given. The theoretical analysis of the publications is supported by surveys of professors from 18 countries about their awareness of the mentioned printed works contents and the ability to use the recommendations which are formulated. As a result of surveys, it has been concluded that the practical implementation of the Council of Europe scientific developments requires improvement, which in its turn demands special academicians’ training. Moreover, some practical references have been proposed in the aspect of the enhanced version of the CEFR publication "CEFR. Companion Volume with New Descriptors": on development foreign language curricula, programmes and exams.