Dubai, October 18, 2011: More than 500 language educators and specialists will attend a landmark conference on October 20 & 21 in Dubai, which will examine the expanding global use of European language standards for measuring language ability.

The first biennial CEFR Conference - The CEFR and its implication for the Gulf States , under the theme of The CEFR: Principles of Good Practice, will look at the increasing global use of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and how it is being, and can be, used in the MENA region. The CEFR is now used to set standards all over the world and has been pioneered by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).  

The two-day conference, which is the first of its kind in the region, will help to raise awareness in the MENA region of the CEFR and how it is being used around the world. H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology will give the opening address on Thursday, October 20.

The conference will be held at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dubai Men's College, and is jointly hosted by HCT and Cambridge ESOL, as part of ongoing collaborations between the two institutions.

Educational language practitioners from around the world will share practical information on how to make use of the CEFR in teaching, assessment, structuring curriculum, and in education policy, both at local and national levels. It will benefit education policy makers and professionals engaged in language education (Arabic & English) and it will give delegates a unique opportunity to hear global perspectives and see how the CEFR is implemented in different educational systems.

The keynote speaker will be Dr Mike Milanovic, Chief Executive of Cambridge ESOL, who will give an overview of the CEFR in the opening plenary session, which will set the scene for a number of related themes during the conference. Dr Milanovic will be joined by several other international and UAE-based language experts at the conference. Specialized case studies and workshops will cover how the CEFR is increasingly used in teaching, assessment and educational policy making.

For full details of the conference visit http://cefr.hct.ac.ae/

What is CEFR

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching & Assessment (CEFR) is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and in other countries. The CEFR is a framework published by the Council of Europe in 2001 describing language learners' ability in terms of speaking, reading, listening and writing at six reference levels. Although originating in Europe, the CEFR's influence extends beyond Europe. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe, and other countries.

The CEFR describes language ability on a scale of levels from A1 for beginners, to C2 for those who have mastered the language. This system make it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, including students, teachers and teacher trainers, to see the level of different qualifications. Additionally, employers and educational institutions can easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams they are familiar with in their own countries.

The CEFR for Languages has a growing relevance for language testers and examination boards, helping to define language proficiency levels and interpret language qualifications.

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About University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
Cambridge ESOL is the premier system in the world for English Language Assessment, providing examinations in English language ability for non-native speakers of English and English teaching qualifications. It employs 400 staff worldwide in its global network of 24 offices in 19 countries. Its extended network includes more than 2700 centres and 200 examiners. It has the largest dedicated research team of any UK-based language assessor, including some of the world's leading experts in the fields of language assessment, and other assessment specialists dedicated to the development and quality control of its examinations. Its staff work in six departments being Assessments & Operations; Business Development; Business Management; Communications & Stakeholder Relations; Customer Services; Research & Validation. Visit www.cambridgeesol.org

About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Founded in 1988 with four colleges, The Higher Colleges of Technology has grown to be the largest of the higher educational institutions in the UAE, gaining a well-respected reputation for innovative learning. More than 20,000 students attend 17 modern men's and women's campuses in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah and the western region of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais.

HCT offers more than 90 different, English-taught programs in Applied Communications, Business, Computer & Information Sciences, Education, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and General Education.  These programs are all relevant to the UAE's fast growing and evolving economic sectors.  All programs are designed in consultation with business and industry leaders to ensure that the skills students learn are job-relevant and to high standards. They are constantly monitored to ensure they are at the cutting edge of industry standards and technological change. Visit www.hct.ac.ae

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:
Paul Lancaster, HCT Corporate Communications Executive,
Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Phone: 02 404 8543.
Mobile: 050 616 0964
Email: paul.lancaster@hct.ac.ae

© Press Release 2011