Language skills for successful subject learning
CEFR linked descriptors for mathematics and history/civics

Introduction

The traditional view is that language is only important in language lessons. Today however, language is no longer seen as a goal in itself, but also as a tool through which students interact with friends and peers in schools, and through which they learn content matters in subjects like science, geography, history and mathematics. 

Research findings

The research conducted in developing the publication indicates that: 

• students at the age of 12/13 are required to have a minimum level of language competence mirroring B1 in all skills in order to succeed in history/mathematics.
• 15/16-year-old students need a B2 competence in the same skills/subjects.

Short links

Example of self-assessment form 

Self-assessment helps learners take ownership of their learning. Language descriptors can be used to encourage students to set goals and make them aware of what they need to be able to do in the history/civics or mathematics classroom. 

The teacher and the students can discuss which skills it makes sense to focus on, and the teacher can provide them with relevant language descriptors related to the CEFR levels.