Council of Europe resources
A guide to teacher competences for languages in education
Language teacher competences are crucial to the quality and effectiveness of language education. Successful language learning depends in large part on the knowledge, skills and attitudes of language teachers. In addition, in the world of today all teachers need to be critically aware of the role that language and communication play in education and in life in general, to be able to use language(s) sensitively in their teaching, whatever their subject, and to develop students’ general language awareness.
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Language skills for successful subject learning
These resources highlight challenges for young learners in subject classes where the language of instruction is not their first language. The focus is on minimum language standards in history/civics and mathematics for learners aged 12/13 and 15/16. The language descriptors are linked to CEFR levels A2, B1 and B2 and available in six languages.
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A Handbook for Curriculum Development and Teacher Training - the Language Dimension in all Subjects
Beacco J.C., Fleming M., Goullier F.,Thürmann E., Vollmer H (2016). Strasbourg: Council of Europe. https://rm.coe.int/a-handbook-for-curriculum-development-and-teacher-training-the-languag/16806af387
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, assessment - Companion volume (2020)
The CEFR Companion volume broadens the scope of language education. It reflects academic and societal developments since the publication of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and updates the 2001 version. It owes much to the contributions of members of the language teaching profession across Europe and beyond.
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CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors
Council of Europe (2018). Strasbourg: Council of Europe. https://rm.coe.int/cefr-companion-volume-with-new-descriptors-2018/1680787989
Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC)
The Council of Europe (2018). https://www.coe.int/en/web/reference-framework-of-competences-for-democratic-culture/rfcdc-volumes (especially volume 2, chapter 2 ‘the full bank of validated descriptors’ – sections: 2, 4, 9, 12, 15 and 19)