International language proficiency standards in the local context:Interpreting the CEFR in standard setting for exam reform in Luxembourg

Brunfaut, Tineke and Harding, Luke (2020) International language proficiency standards in the local context:Interpreting the CEFR in standard setting for exam reform in Luxembourg. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice, 27 (2). pp. 215-231. ISSN 0969-594X

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Abstract

In the field of second and foreign language learning, the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) is widely-used for setting language proficiency standards within European, and increasingly global, contexts. Few studies, however, have investigated the ways in which systemic, macro-level factors within national educational contexts may influence standard setting practices using the CEFR. In this paper, we explore this issue through an analysis of recorded discussions within standard setting sessions for the Épreuve Commune for English, a national English language examination in Luxembourg. The data reveals four key sources of influence on standard setting decision-making: Luxembourg’s unique language ecology, streamed schooling, the national curriculum, and an ongoing exam reform project. Through this analysis, we argue that Luxembourg functions as a critical case illustrating the tension between international standards of language proficiency and local realities.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice
Additional Information:
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice on 6/12/2019, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0969594X.2019.1700213
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3304
Subjects:
?? STANDARD SETTINGCEFRLANGUAGE TESTINGEDUCATION ??
ID Code:
139478
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
09 Dec 2019 12:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Sep 2023 01:30