A BETTER LEARNING EXPERIENCE

CEFR is the guideline used to describe the achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and also adopted by many other countries.

The English language curriculum,which is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),will give our students a more recognised language qualification.

CEFR is the guideline used to describe the achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and also adopted by many other countries.

I feel students have nothing to lose but only to gain. Sufficient help has been given to teachers teaching the language, where cascading training programmes have been carried out nationwide.

The programmes are systemic and involve learning materials, adaptation, curriculum, assessment and the familiarisation of CEFR.

Initial teething problems are common as with any new method. But teachers are getting the hang of the curriculum and in no time, I believe they will find the aligned version to be more effective and meaningful.

The Education Ministry is also also in the midst of coming up with more resources to help English teachers; handbooks and videos and etc,n which will be distributed soon.

Should the teachers involved need more information and explanation,there are plenty of reading materials on the Internet. This is an established framework that focuses on students doing things with the language instead of learning it.

As an experienced English language teacher,I am thrilled to have this CEFR-aligned curriculum, after much reading,asking questions of from experts around and reflecting upon it.

The imported textbooks are colourful and interesting; I’m sure they will pique the curiosity and interest of every young mind in a school setting.

Previously only those from affluent families could afford the imported books,now they are available to all students.

Any foreign topic or information in the textbooks would only open up avenues and trigger more authentic meaningful discussions.

I feel students will be more engaged in their lessons.

As teachers, we will also acquire and learn new information because we will be required to look up and find out more as we may not be familiar with some of the foreign culture and issues.

The youth generation in schools stand only to benefit from this move as it provides our students with an international benchmark with which to gauge their English language proficiency.And teachers those involved in the teaching and learning fraternity will have no other options but to beef-up and raise their English language proficiency standards and that of their those of of our students.’in the English language.

JANE CHEOK MEI LICKLanguage Department,Teacher Training Institute,Melaka

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