ECML/CELV > Thematic areas

Introduction

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) is exactly what its title says it is: a framework of reference. It was designed to provide a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines, the design of teaching and learning materials, and the assessment of foreign language proficiency. It is used in Europe but also in other continents and is now available in 40 languages.
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European Language Portfolio

The European Language Portfolio (ELP) is a document in which those who are learning or have learned one or more languages can record and reflect on their language learning and intercultural experiences. It is designed to mediate to learners, teachers and schools, and other stakeholders the ethos that underpins the CEFR: respect for linguistic and cultural diversity, mutual understanding beyond national, institutional and social boundaries, the promotion of plurilingual and intercultural education, and the development of the autonomy of the individual citizen.

The ECML hosts a dedicated website for the ELP to promote the pedagogical benefits of this instrument and to facilitate its use in practice.
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The ELP has three components: a language passport, a language biography, and a dossier.

The Language Passport provides an overview of the individual’s proficiency in different languages at a given point in time. It is expected that the learner will update the language passport at regular intervals, to reflect progress in language learning and the acquisition of new intercultural experiences. It will also normally include the Self-assessment Grid from the CEFR.

The Language Biography contains goal-setting and self-assessment checklists that expand on the summary descriptors contained in the Self-assessment Grid. It encourages the learner to state what he/she can do in each language and to include information on linguistic, cultural and learning experiences gained in and outside formal educational contexts. It is organised to promote plurilingualism, i.e. the development of proficiency in a number of languages.

The Dossier offers the learner the opportunity to select materials to document and illustrate achievements or experiences recorded in the Language Biography or Passport.

The main aims of the ELP are:

to help learners give shape and coherence to their experience of learning and using languages other than their first language;
to motivate learners by acknowledging their efforts to extend and diversify their language skills at all levels;
to provide a record of the linguistic and cultural skills they have acquired (to be consulted, for example, when they are moving to a higher learning level or seeking employment at home or abroad.

Through its projects past and present, its project outputs and resources as well as its training and consultancy, the ECML has significant expertise in supporting teachers and teacher educators to understand the philosophy of learning, teaching and assessment on which these instruments are based, and to ensure their effective and efficient application in different learning contexts.
The website contains a wide range of information on how to use the ELP including practical materials like videos, PowerPoint presentations, posters, worksheets as well as links, references and FAQs. Information on ELP developments within individual European countries is provided with material in national languages.

Featured ECML resources

	European Language Portfolio –Whole-school use
	Assessment of young learner literacy linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (AYLITT)
	Pathways through assessing, learning and teaching in the CEFR

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Articles

22.10.2025
Two-day workshop on modern approaches to language teaching – ECML Training and consultancy: MedVITbox 2025 Slovenia

The National Language Working Group, in cooperation with the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) in Graz, organised a two-day workshop on October 8 and 9, 2025, aimed at members of the Subject Curriculum Commissions for Languages. The workshop was led by two ECML experts, Maria Stathopoulou (Hellenic Open University, Greece) and Laurent Rouveyrol (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, France), and was conducted online due to objective circumstances.
A total of 32 participants attended the workshop, including university professors, consultants from the National Education Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, and primary and secondary school teachers.

The training provided participants with insight into current trends in language teaching, based on the CEFR Companion Volume. It introduced an action-oriented and learner-centred approach to language learning, with particular emphasis on the role of mediation in both oral and written communication - within a single language and across languages. Additionally, the importance of plurilingualism, multilingualism, and interculturality in the modern learning environment was highlighted.

Participants explored ways to meaningfully integrate these approaches into planning and everyday pedagogical practice. The knowledge and materials acquired during the workshop will be adapted and used by participants for teacher training activities related to the implementation of the new curricula and knowledge catalogues.

Barbara Lesničar, Zavod za šolstvo (National Education Institute), OE Maribor

More information about the training and consultancy offer of the ECML for member states: "The CEFR Companion Volume: Mediation and other key concepts"

News in Slovenian

Izvedena dvodnevna delavnica o sodobnih pristopih k poučevanju jezikov - Zavod RS za šolstvo

Dvodnevna delavnica o sodobnih pristopih k poučevanju jezikov – Training and Consultancy: MEDVitBoX 2025 Slovenija
Področna skupina za jezike je v sodelovanju s Centrom za moderne jezike iz Gradca (ECMJ) 8. in 9. oktobra 2025 organizirala dvodnevno delavnico, namenjeno članom Predmetno kurikularnih komisij za jezike. Delavnico sta vodila člana ekspertne skupine pri ECMJ, Maria Stathopoulou (Hellenic Open University, Grčija) in Laurent Rouveyrol (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Francija) in je bila zaradi objektivnih razlogov izpeljana na daljavo. Delavnice se je udeležilo 32 udeležencev (univerzitetni profesorji, svetovalci Zavoda RS za šolstvo in učitelji osnovnih ter srednjih šol).

Izobraževanje je udeležencem ponudilo vpogled v sodobne smernice poučevanja jezikov, ki temeljijo na dokumentu CEFR Companion Volume. Predstavljen je bil dejavnostno naravnan in za učence osmišljen pristop k učenju jezikov angl. action approach), poseben poudarek pa je bil namenjen vlogi posredovanja v ustni in pisni komunikaciji, tako v enem jeziku kot med jeziki ter pomenu večjezičnosti, raznojezičnosti in medkulturnosti v sodobnem učnem okolju.

Udeleženci so raziskovali možnosti smiselnega vključevanja teh pristopov v načrtovanje in vsakodnevno pedagoško prakso. Znanje in gradivo pridobljeno v delavnici, bodo udeleženci prilagodili in uporabili za usposabljanje učiteljev pri uvajanju novih učnih načrtov in katalogov znanj.

Barbara Lesničar, Barbara Lesničar, Zavod za šolstvo, OE Maribor

16.09.2025
Join the MedVITBox Training and consultancy (TaC)!

The recent ECML Training and consultancy event in Oulu, Finland, showcased the transformative potential of the CEFR Companion Volume and its focus on mediation. With almost 90% of participants expressing satisfaction and confirming the relevance to their professional work, the MedVITBox training proved to be both impactful and inspiring.

Educators praised the practical value of the materials and approaches, while almost everyone thought that learners could benefit from the mediation activities. The event fostered collaboration, professional growth, and motivation to engage in educational reform and networking. Participants felt empowered to integrate new ideas into their teaching and promote quality language education.

Whether you are a teacher, trainer or policymaker, the MedVITBox trainings offer a unique opportunity to explore innovative strategies, exchange ideas with international speakers and strengthen your professional competence.

Authors: Johanna Talvensaari and Magdalini Liontou

More information about the training and consultancy offer of the ECML for member states: "The CEFR Companion Volume: Mediation and other key concepts"

(in Finnish)

Osallistu MedVITBox-koulutuksiin!

Äskettäin Oulussa järjestetty ECML:n koulutus- ja konsultointitapahtuma toi esiin CEFR:n rakentavan vuorovaikutuksen (mediaation) käsitteen kieltenopetuksessa. Lähes 90 % osallistujista oli tyytyväisiä tapahtumaan ja koki sen sisällön merkitykselliseksi omassa työssään – MedVITBox-koulutus oli sekä vaikuttava että innostava.

Opettajat kiittivät materiaalien ja lähestymistapojen käytännönläheisyyttä, ja lähes kaikki uskoivat, että oppijat hyötyvät mediaatioon perustuvista toiminnallisista tehtävistä. Tapahtuma edisti yhteistyötä, ammatillista kasvua ja innosti osallistujia mukaan koulutuksen kehittämiseen ja verkostoitumiseen. Osallistujat kokivat saaneensa eväitä uusien ideoiden viemiseen omaan opetukseensa ja laadukkaan kieltenopetuksen edistämiseen.

Olitpa sitten opettaja, kouluttaja tai koulutuspäättäjä, MedVITBox-koulutukset tarjoavat ainutlaatuisen mahdollisuuden tutustua innovatiivisiin menetelmiin, vaihtaa ajatuksia kansainvälisten asiantuntijoiden kanssa ja vahvistaa omaa ammatillista osaamistasi.

Authors: Johanna Talvensaari and Magdalini Liontou

More information about the training and consultancy offer of the ECML for member states: "The CEFR Companion Volume: Mediation and other key concepts"

27.01.2022
Call for the ECML-EU joint action "Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning" 2022 open until 16 February 2022

Innovative aspects of the CEFR

Brian North, co-author of the CEFR, discusses innovative aspects of the framework.

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CEFR and ELP

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and European Language Portfolio (ELP)

With the focus on the learner, the learning process and learning outcomes, these key reference instruments of the Council of Europe have contributed to better quality language education across Europe and beyond.

Introduction

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment

European Language Portfolio

Featured ECML resources

Events

Articles

Innovative aspects of the CEFR