Using the CEFR for assessing language

competences in Finland

Sauli Takala

Policy ForumThe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the development of language

policies: challenges and responsibilitiesOrganised by the Council of Europe Language Policy Division

Strasbourg, 6 – 8 February 2007

How has the CEFR been used in language education in Finland?

• Translated in 2003

• Widely used in various contexts

Project Time Target group

Purpose Use of CEFR

Dialang (Phase 1)

1997-1999

(Young) Adults

Diagnosis of profic.

• Self-assessment• Assessment• Feedback

Nation. Certif.

2001-2002

Adults Certify profic.

• Scale equation• Level linkage

AMKKIA 2000-2001

Poly-technic

Harmo-nise ass.

•Scale equation• Level linkage

Civil service

2002-2003

Civil servants

Certify profic.

• Level linkage(related to Nat. Cert.)

Citizen-ship

June1 2003

Immig-rants

Certify profic.

• Set required level:B1 (via Nat Cert.)

Project Time Target group

Purpose Use of CEFR

Immig-ration

Oct. 2003

Ingrian ”repatr.”

Certify proficiency

• A2 level required• Computerized

National Curric.

2004- 7-19 year olds

Linkage to CEFR

• Scale equation• Level linkage

Matric. Exam.

2001- Upper second.

Certify proficiency

• Level linkage

National Assess-ment

2007 Lower second.

Assess prof. levels

• Level linkage (cf. ”European Indicator”)

Other projects

2001- Various Link courses, materials..

• Content• Levels

Linking Matriculation Examinations to the CEFR:

What level is obtained at the end of the Upper Secondary School (age 19?)

Level in the Matric Exam (19yrs)

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2

A- 10 years of study; B – 5 years of study; C: 3-5 years of study

How to accommodate national grading and reporting systems and the CEFR (levels)?

• Conversion tables?

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

A2

C1>

Matric Grade(normal curve)

CEFR Level

Laudatur

Eximia

Magna

Cum laude

Lubenter

Approbatur

Improbatur

B2

B1

Su

m s

co

re

Linking National Assessment outcomes to the CEFR:

What level is obtained in English at the end of the Comprehensive School (age 15-16?)

Level in English: grade 9 (15-16 years; 7 years of English)

A225

A234

A240

B141

B139

B132

B2>29

B2>23

B2>25

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Receptive skills Speaking Writing

A1 A2 B1 B2>

Linking examinations results has only begun.

• More needs to be done:

• Replication to verify tentative linkages.

• International co-operation to develop competence in linking examinations/tests to the CEFR.

• International co-operation in mutual verifying national efforts of linkage?