Since its publication in 2001, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEF) has had a wide-ranging impact on the teaching and learning of languages around the world. Many ministries of education, local education authorities, educational institutions, teachers' associations, and publishers use the CEF, and it will continue to have an impact for many years to come.

In its own words, the CEF "provides a common basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, examinations, textbooks, etc." (CEF: 2001: 1) For many teachers and learners, though, there is some misunderstanding as to what the context, aims, and benefits of the CEF are.

Pearson Longman has prepared a Teacher’s Guide to the Common European Framework to give teachers and learners insight into the CEF and to show how it can have a positive impact on learning, teaching, and assessment.

This guide is not intended to replace a more in-depth reading of the CEF itself, nor can it provide all the answers to questions you or your learners may have. However, we hope that you will find this introduction useful if you are considering the CEF as a classroom tool.

Click on the link below to download the guide:
Teacher’s Guide to the Common European Framework (in PDF format)

Useful links about CEF:
The full Common European Framework document (in English): http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf

Language Portfolio self-assessment grids and checklists: http://www.coe.int/T/DG4/Portfolio/?L=E&M=/main_pages/levels.html