CEFR: an introduction (Int. Sign)

 Stefan Goldschmidt, Simon Kollien and Chris Peters, Hamburg University, November 2016,  www.signteach.eu

This podcast initially explains the general meaning and function of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

There is a version for European sign languages which has been developed to give sign language teachers and learners orientation. It is very useful for assessment procedures. We will present documents such as the global scale and the self-assessment schema. Finally, we will explain the advantages of the CEFR for teaching sign languages.

In this introduction-clip Goldschmidt explains about the origin and meaning of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is related to ECML (European Centre for Modern Languages), where CEFR for Sign languages is established.

Then, Kollien explains the grids of the CEFR. He shows, how CEFR can be useful for learners, teachers and assessements. Further, he explains the importance and meaning of Global Scale for CEFR.

After that, Peters explains about the meaning of Descriptors. In these descriptors four areas (reception, production, interaction and self-assessement) were introduced.

At the closing, Goldschmidt explains the advantages of CEFR, which learners and teachers can experience for themselves, and the importance of ELP (European Language Portfolio).