What are the benefits of aligning the Framework for English Teaching in Higher Education in Israel (Framework) with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)?

One of the main benefits of aligning the Framework with the CEFR is that it will enable Israeli teachers and students to be part of an internationally recognized framework for English. This will form a sound basis for mutual recognition of tertiary level EFL/EAP courses between colleges and universities here in Israel as well as abroad.

Chile to China – Countries Currently Using CEFR

An additional benefit is that the CEFR adopts an action-based approach aimed at preparing students to communicate effectively in a range of real-life situations.        The CEFR defines knowledge of a language in a series of ‘can-do’ statements that describe what learners typically can do in a language and how well they can do it at each CEFR level.

Can-do statements describe a coherent progression of what language learners can typically do at the six CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, A1 being the lowest and C2 being the highest). The levels are described in terms of the linguistic and sociolinguistic features learners have mastered at a specific CEFR level and where they are likely to demonstrate only partial competence. These scales help teachers to evaluate what are realistic expectations at each level and can therefore be used as a tool for comparing levels of ability and proficiency amongst learners within and across institutions.

Finally, as the CEFR is based on current language education research, it promotes the adoption of state-of-the-art teaching methods, including CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning), new technologies and multimedia materials.