Quality and Equity in Education: A Practical Guide to the Council of Europe Vision of Education for Plurilingual, Intercultural and Democratic Citizenship

The Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education is influential and provides a vision of quality and equity in education that incorporates core values. This book presents this vision and demonstrates how it can be realized through the application of Council of Europe instruments in practice, making it accessible to teachers and policymakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

The Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education has had a profound impact on Europe and beyond for numerous years. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and its Companion Volume, along with related instruments, serve as valuable frameworks for implementing policies that aim to ensure quality and equity in education across the curriculum. This vision encompasses the core values of the Council of Europe and aims to educate children and young people to become plurilingual, intercultural, and democratic citizens.

This book aims to present this educational vision, showcase how it can be achieved through the practical application of Council of Europe instruments, and make it accessible to teachers of all subjects and educational institutions, as well as other educationists, including policymakers.

The CEFR and its Companion Volume provide a comprehensive framework for language learning and teaching, covering the four language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and promoting cultural awareness and understanding. They also emphasize the importance of language diversity and multilingualism in society and advocate for policies that promote the learning and use of multiple languages.

In addition to the CEFR, the Council of Europe has developed a range of other instruments and resources that support plurilingual and intercultural education. These include the European Language Portfolio, the European Qualifications Framework, and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. These instruments provide a common framework for assessing language proficiency and promoting the recognition and protection of regional and minority languages.

The practical application of Council of Europe instruments in education is facilitated by the organization's commitment to capacity-building and training. The Council of Europe offers a range of training programs and workshops that aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of teachers and educators in plurilingual and intercultural education. These programs are designed to provide teachers with the tools and resources they need to implement the CEFR and other Council of Europe instruments effectively in their classrooms.

Furthermore, the Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education has had a significant impact on international cooperation and dialogue. The organization has played a key role in promoting language learning and teaching across borders, and has worked closely with governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop policies and initiatives that support language diversity and multilingualism.

In conclusion, the Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape in Europe and beyond. The CEFR and its Companion Volume, along with other Council of Europe instruments and resources, provide a comprehensive framework for language learning and teaching that promotes quality, equity, and cultural awareness. The practical application of these instruments in education is facilitated by the organization's commitment to capacity-building and training, and has had a significant impact on international cooperation and dialogue. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education will only continue to grow, and the Council of Europe will remain a key player in this field.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800414013