Co-operation with the European Commission
Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning

Local organisers: Libor Štěpánek, Masaryk University Language Centre

ECML experts: Waldemar Martyniuk (Poland), Jana Bérešová (Slovak Republic)

Participants: 23 language teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, language testers, policymakers

Masaryk University Language Centre was proud to host a national training workshop within the RELANG initiative, a joint action between the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) and the European Commission, implemented under the cooperation agreement on innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning.

Held in Brno from 1-3 September 2026, the workshop brought together language teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, language testers and other professionals involved in language education. Led by internationally recognised ECML experts, Jana Bérešová (Slovakia) and Waldemar Martyniuk (Poland), the training offered a highly practical opportunity to explore how the Companion Volume to the CEFR can support assessment and some learning practices.

Participants worked hands-on with CEFR descriptors, developed tasks for reading, listening, writing and speaking, and explored assessment criteria, rating scales and alternative assessment. The workshop also addressed the action-oriented approach, learner autonomy, mediation, social agency and plurilingualism, translating these principles into tangible assessment and some learning practices.

The workshop strengthened expertise in CEFR-aligned teaching and assessment and laid the foundations for a sustainable train-the-trainer model in Czechia. Participants will continue sharing and applying their learning through further workshops, seminars and professional activities.

RELANG offers a valuable opportunity for language education professionals to develop expertise, exchange experience and contribute to fairer, more coherent and innovative language education across Europe.

Libor Štěpánek, local organiser, 7 September 2026

Dedicated ECML website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2026 “Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning”

Local organiser: Denisa Ďuranová, National Institute of Education and Youth

ECML experts: Terry Lamb (United Kingdom), Chantal Muller (Belgium)

Participants: 23 participants (13 Slovak participants and 10 Czech participants) foreign language teachers/teachers of other subjects/teacher educators, teachers of the language of schooling, school principals, policymakers

The National Institute of Education and Youth (NIVaM) and the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML) organised the international workshop “Supporting Multilingual Classrooms,” on 25-26 June 2026 in Trenčín, Slovak Republic. The event focused on promoting quality education for children with a migrant background, developing teacher competences in the field of multilingual classrooms and sharing examples of best practice from Slovak and Czech schools. The event was carried within the framework of the Innovative Methodologies and Assessment in Language Learning cooperation agreement between the ECML and European Commission.

In 2026, the Supporting Multilingual Classrooms workshop series was organised in cooperation between the ECML and partner institutions in the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic and Spain. The initiative was implemented in the Slovak Republic for the sixth time since 2020, making it one of the ECML member states with the longest and most sustained engagement in the programme. The Slovak implementation is particularly noteworthy for its distinctive format and is widely regarded as an inspiring example of good practice. This year, the Slovak Republic once again hosted a special ECML workshop module as part of the initiative.

The workshop brought together representatives from a wide range of institutions and schools in the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. Participants included a representative of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, academics from several Czech universities, school principals and teachers from both countries, a representative of a regional teacher support centre in the Slovak Republic, and experts from other institutions dealing with the education of students with a migrant background and providing methodological or language support to such students in this field.

The workshop opened with welcome addresses and an introduction to the event’s objectives, the work of the ECML, the expert facilitators, and the participants from the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. Participants were welcomed by Ms Sandra Gazareková, Director of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic; Mr Terry Lamb and Ms Chantal Muller, ECML experts; and Ms Denisa Ďuranová, ECML Governing Board member representing the Slovak Republic.

The programme was structured around a series of thematic sessions. On the first day, participants explored the opportunities and challenges associated with multilingualism, examined learners’ linguistic repertoires, and discussed strategies for fostering their successful inclusion in the educational process. Particular attention was devoted to ways in which teachers can enhance learner motivation and make effective use of students’ linguistic and cultural resources in the classroom.

The second day of the workshop focused on strengthening teachers’ competences and confidence in supporting learners’ development in the language/s of schooling. Particular attention was given to building the language support gradually, differentiated teaching approaches, and finding practical solutions that can be applied in the classroom. Group work on proposals for joint projects formed a key component of the programme. The participants presented their activity/project proposals, discussed possibilities for their further development, and reflected on ways how to apply the knowledge they had gained in practice.

The event not only provided new professional insights but also created an opportunity for schools, experts, and institutions dedicated to promoting multilingual education to network with one another. The participants particularly appreciated the workshop’s practical focus, the opportunity to exchange experiences, inspiring examples of best practice, and the open atmosphere that fostered active discussion. The positive feedback from the participants confirmed that the topic of supporting multilingual classrooms is highly relevant in the school environment and creating the conditions for high-quality, inclusive, and language-sensitive education represents an important step towards a school that is open to all students regardless of their background.

Denisa Ďuranová, local organiser, 31 July 2026

Dedicated ECML website: Supporting multilingual classrooms, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2026 “Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning”

Local organisers: Katerina Vladimirou, Chrysanthi Nicodemou-Pasiardi, Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth

ECML experts: Karine Dekeukelaere (Belgium), Gábor Szabó (Hungary)

Participants: 30 language teachers, inspectors, curriculum developers, examination designers, language trainers and assessment specialists

The RELANG workshop, held in Nicosia from 24 to 26 June 2026, attracted great interest, demonstrating the demand for high-quality professional development in CEFR-aligned language assessment. Organised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth in cooperation with the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) of the Council of Europe, the workshop focused on Relating Language Curricula, Tests and Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference (RELANG) and delivered Modules 2 (Constructing valid language tests and examinations based on the CEFR and its Companion Volume) and Module 3 (Relating existing language tests and examinations to the CEFR and its Companion Volume) of the RELANG initiative.

The workshop brought together language teachers, inspectors, curriculum developers, examination designers, language trainers and assessment specialists from various language disciplines to strengthen expertise in CEFR-aligned language assessment. Led by ECML experts Gábor Szabó and Karine Dekeukelaere, the workshop combined theoretical input with practical collaborative activities focusing on test specifications, task design, rating scales, standard setting and the interpretation of assessment data.

Over the three days, participants explored practical approaches to aligning curricula, teaching and assessment with the CEFR and its Companion Volume, together with ways of ensuring that language examinations are valid, reliable and transparent. The workshop also promoted the exchange of expertise among professionals from different language departments, fostering a shared understanding of quality language assessment.

The workshop significantly enhanced participants' assessment literacy and strengthened national capacity for developing CEFR-aligned language tests and examinations. It also established a strong community of professionals who will act as multipliers and test/examination designers supporting the continued improvement of language assessment practices and quality language education in Cyprus.

Katerina Vladimirou and Chrysanthi Nicodemou Pasiardi, local organisers, 7 July 2026

Dedicated ECML website: RELANG, ECML-EC cooperation agreement 2026 “Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning”

Pauline Ernest took part in the Spring Days on Artificial Intelligence for Language Learning, Teaching and Assessment, held at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (Italy) from 18-20 May 2026. The event brought together researchers, educators, language professionals and assessment specialists and explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence on language education and assessment.

In her presentation entitled “ECML & ICT-REV: Using ICT in support of language teaching and learning”, Pauline introduced the work of the ECML and highlighted the ICT-REV activities, which are part of the Training and Consultancy initiative co-funded by the ECML and the European Commission. Particular attention was given to the practical value of the project’s two ICT inventories. The first provides access to more than 250 freely available digital tools and resources for language teachers, while the second presents ICT-supported learning activities developed by and for language teachers.

Pauline Ernest

The 5th edition of the ECML-EC Summer Academy took place from 29 June to 3 July 2026 in Graz, Austria. A key component of the ECML’s cooperation with the European Commission, this year’s Academy brought together 28 highly motivated language teacher educators from 25 European countries and 8 international experts. The Academy provided a vibrant environment for professional exchange, intercultural reflection, and the exploration of innovative approaches in language teacher education.

The programme featured a range of activities and interactive discussions addressing key developments and challenges in European language teacher education, such as language plurality, digital literacy and autonomy, assessment practices, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the identities and competences of language teacher educators. The Academy encouraged both individual growth and collaborative advancement, with a special focus on fostering partnerships and teamwork among participants.

Cultural and social activities complemented the professional programme, including a guided tour of Graz and an evening in the Styrian vineyards. Moreover, at the University of Graz, participants – welcomed by Hermine Penz at an event hosted by the Austrian Association of the ECML – engaged with valuable perspectives on collaborative partnerships and language awareness in CLIL/ICLHE.

This collaborative spirit was carried forward throughout the week, inspiring participants to initiate follow-up projects and ensuring that the exchange and cooperation established during the Academy will continue well beyond the event itself. With the ECML preparing its 8th medium-term programme (2028-2031) and a call for project proposals to be launched in 2027, the Summer Academy proved to be an opportune moment for participants to consider and develop collaborative ideas for future European language education projects.

The ECML-EC Summer Academy successfully forged connections among language teacher educators from across Europe, advancing plurilingual and intercultural education to strength our democracies, quality, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue in education.

"It was a very inspiring week indeed, both because of the programme itself and because of the colleagues we met, interacted with and collaborated with.
We refreshed and updated our knowledge and experience of the importance of language and language teacher education
in the maintenance and development of a democratic, open, plurilingual and pluricultural Europe."

Summer academy participant, 2026

For more information about the Summer Academy, please visit: www.ecml.at/summeracademy