English Profile and the CEFR
Cambridge ESOL exams are mapped against the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which helps define teaching and learning objectives and methods, providing at the same time the necessary tools for assessment of proficiency. However, the CEFR does not show what real language use actually looks like at each of the different levels. A major new project, English Profile, will show learners and teachers what real English language use actually looks like at each level of the CEFR. Grammatical and lexical analysis of the Cambridge Learner Corpus is being undertaken at the University Computer Laboratory, an academic department of the University of Cambridge. The Profile is expected to be a crucial tool for language teaching, material development, assessment and research for many years to come.
The project is a collaboration between world-leading authorities in English language learning: the British Council, Cambridge University Press, English UK, Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics (University of Cambridge), University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (University of Bedfordshire).
Blended learning for university students
An interactive blended-learning course for Italian university students was developed through a unique partnership between Cambridge ESOL, Cambridge University Press and the association of Italian university rectors, CRUI (Conferenza dei Rettori delle Università Italiane) during the year. A blended course combines several methods of tuition; in this case self-access study and online tuition. Its purpose is to help Italian universities meet government requirements to increase the number of students reaching Level B1 (CEFR) in English.
The Cambridge-CRUI course will enable universities to help more students attain Level B1 and to offer more courses to more students. The web-based course – fully aligned to the CEFR – comprises 75 hours of online self study and 25 hours of face-to-face tuition and includes all four language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The course was developed following an extensive consultation process and in collaboration with leading Italian ELT authors.