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: Hardback
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 tools for implementing policies aimed at ensuring 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, encompassing six language levels from A1 to C2. They emphasize the importance of communication, collaboration, and cultural understanding in learning and teaching languages. The framework also promotes the development of literacy skills and the integration of language learning into other subjects, such as science, mathematics, and the arts.

In addition to the CEFR, the Council of Europe has developed a range of related instruments, such as the European Language Portfolio (ELP) and the Common European Standards for Language Learning (CESL). These instruments provide a standardized way of assessing language skills and knowledge and facilitate the recognition of qualifications and diplomas across Europe.

The practical application of Council of Europe instruments in education has led to significant improvements in language learning and teaching. Teachers have been able to use the CEFR and its Companion Volume to develop curriculum materials, assess language skills, and provide personalized learning opportunities for their students. Schools have also been able to implement intercultural education programs that promote the understanding and appreciation of different cultures and languages.

Furthermore, the Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education has had a broader impact on society as a whole. It has helped to promote social inclusion, cultural diversity, and mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds. It has also contributed to the development of a more skilled and employable workforce, as individuals with language skills and knowledge are in high demand in many industries.

In conclusion, the Council of Europe's work in plurilingual and intercultural education has been highly influential in Europe and beyond for many years. The Common European Framework of Reference and its Companion Volume, along with related instruments, provide a valuable framework for implementing policies and promoting quality and equity in education. The practical application of these instruments has led to significant improvements in language learning and teaching, as well as a broader impact on society. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education will only continue to grow.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800414020