CEFR - Teacher's Help

Have you heard about master trainers, observer and Cambridge? If you heard about these terms, that means you are aware that today, Primary School Standard Curriculum (KSSR) has been aligned with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Many complaints occurred stating that why we need to follow or depend on Westerners to teach English in Malaysia. Actually there are good reasons why we need CEFR.

Reasons:

1.    CEFR is accepted universally and many countries have been implementing it. The ‘A’ that you scored in SPM, PMR or UPSR does not  determine that you are fluent in English by other countries so we need to use CEFR assessment in order to be accepted or recognized in an international level.

2.     Our textbooks are so difficult. Even though English is a second language for Malaysian, the textbook for Year 1 was considered difficult for the kids as the words used are very high for their level. Therefore, we need CEFR to simplify and teach Year 1. We must make sure Year 1 works towards A1.

What you need to know:

1. Grammar is not a major skill for Year 1 and 2 as it was integrated.

2. Phonics need to be taught for only 4 weeks at the beginning of the year but if your pupils cannot master it; you have to teach it throughout the year.

3. Teacher’s guide book with scheme of work, sample lessons and content standards will be published on LBI soon.

4. Listening and speaking skills have been separated.

5. Learning objective will be based on learning standards.

6. CEFR will be introduced in preschool, primary school and secondary school.

7. By the end of Year 6, pupils should reach A2 mid.

8. CEFR is not a new curriculum but it was aligned with KSSR.

9. PBS and LINUS still exist.

10. New assessment will be introduced on 2022.

11. Supermind will be the major reference and textbooks are just supplementary.

12. Year 1 and Year 2 will be using the same Supermind book. Year 1 will cover until topic 4 and Year 2 will cover topic 5 and so on.