25.598, Calls: Applied Linguistics/Japan

Wed Feb 5 19:56:36 UTC 2014

LINGUIST List: Vol-25-598. Wed Feb 05 2014. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 25.598, Calls: Applied Linguistics/Japan

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Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:56:23
From: Fergus O'Dwyer [criconcef at gmail.com]
Subject: Critical, Constructive Assessment of CEFR-based Language Teaching in Japan and Beyond

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Full Title: Critical, Constructive Assessment of CEFR-based Language Teaching in Japan and Beyond 

Date: 31-May-2014 - 31-May-2014
Location: Nagoya, Japan 
Contact Person: Fergus O'Dwyer
Meeting Email: criconcef at gmail.com
Web Site: https://sites.google.com/site/flpsig/critical-constructive-assessment-of-cefr 

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics 

Call Deadline: 02-Mar-2014 

Meeting Description:

Critical, Constructive Assessment of CEFR-based Language Teaching in Japan and Beyond
Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
May 31, 2014

In recent years there has been a vivid discussion in Japan and elsewhere about language learning curricula and frameworks, especially the Council of 
Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is important to be aware that the CEFR and its can-do statements must 
be adapted and changed to suit the specific context they serve. 

The basic theme of this project focuses on the implementation of the CEFR in language education institutions, with a focus on generating ideas of 
current practice that can be adapted and implemented by others. It is possible for the focus to be pluricentric, but currently it is proposed the project will 
be centred around Japan. Other regions of Asia, Europe and America can also be represented. The focus will be on principles and practices that 
effectively disseminate transparent and suitably scaffolded learning objectives, while focusing on an action-oriented approach that also promotes life-
long, autonomous learning. The focus of the project is action-research based, following an action-reflection cycle (McNiff & Whitehead, 2009): observe 
what is going on; think about how they can improve it; act; gather data; show transformational nature of the actions; test and modify existing thinking 
and practices; communicate the significance, in order to encourage new ways of acting. We hope the results of the enterprise can encourage others to 
enact action-reflection cycles on local levels.

We intend to have a one-day conference where participants will present preliminary ideas about how practices have addressed some key questions 
featured below. This mini-conference will be held in Japan, in May 2014.

2nd Call for Papers:

Please email abstracts as attachments to criconcef at gmail.com by March 2, 2014, including: 

1. Abstract (in the region of three to five hundred words) 
2. References 
3. Correspondence email 
4. Full name and affiliation of each presenter 

Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by March 17, 2014. 

After participation in the conference (participating from a remote location using modern technology possible), selected authors will then be invited to contribute 
to an edited volume, with a tentative publication date in 2016. The publication of this volume is been discussed with an internationally reputable publisher.

While the project is centred around Japan, we are also interested in representing developments in other areas, particularly geographically close regions of Asia 
(e.g. China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam etc.).  Proposals should address principles and practices in these two inter-related areas: the implementation of the 
CEFR in curricula and classrooms. 

In general, submissions should address the issue that although the CEFR has been widely applied to curricula and course improvement, resulting in positive 
effects on language education, implementation is not without difficulty. To adapt the CEFR to the entire language program, teachers and other stakeholders 
must share its basic philosophy and ideas. The amalgam of top-down and bottom-up implementation with a strong leadership is necessary. How has this 
leadership, and what specific practices, been implemented? 

It is possible that the adverse effects of language testing, and other language education practices, may be reversed should a more learner-centred pedagogy 
to produce more effective and autonomous learners of language. It is difficult to bring about change though, particularly in areas such as curricula, and 
teaching practices.

Specifically, in regard to Curricula, some key questions include: 

- What type of implementation has been adopted? 
- What specific practices have been implemented? 
- What practices have been seen to be effective? 
- How are all stakeholders involved? 
- Has the CEFR promoted a system for in-house evaluation of curricula and learning targets? 
- Do curricula and courses include transparent and concrete learning objectives, with accepted can do statements at the centre? 
- Is it possible to compare the results of instruction in different classes? 
- Can the people engaging in CEFR-based teaching and learning develop a sense of ownership? 

These two latter points connect to classroom instruction. Key questions specific to this area include: 

- Can checklists serve as the key reference point for processes of reflective teaching/learning in which self-assessment plays a central role? How?
- What are the interpretations, of teachers, students and other stakeholders, of the philosophy and ideas of the CEFR? 
- Are the CEFR-based materials (textbooks, teaching content etc.) action-oriented, and easily applicable by both teachers and students? 
- Can all readily see the benefits of the CEFR-based approach for their own teaching/learning? 
- Is autonomous learning beyond the specified materials (e.g. textbooks) supported and encouraged? If so, how? 

Initial project members include: Fergus O'Dwyer, Noriko Nagai, Alexander Imig, Naoyuki Naganuma, Gabriela Schmidt, Morten Hunke.

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