EF Education First and University of Cambridge ESOL collaborate on a groundbreaking English language assessment to rate language skills on a recognized global scale
(November 3, 2009, London) EF Education First (EF) and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) today announced a new English test that will enable EF students to accurately rate their level of spoken and written skills.
The EF Cambridge English Level Test (EFCELT- pronounced �/efkelt/� ), available at all EF schools, will allow students to determine their level of achievement at the completion of EF English courses according to international standards. The 40-minute test is aligned with standards established by the Common European Framework, a benchmark recognized by governments, institutions, schools, and employers worldwide. It will give students a clear indication of their level and the progress they抳e made, as well as providing an ideal stepping stone to an internationally recognized Cambridge certificate.
The EFCELT is the culmination of 18 months of design and development including intense research trials that involved 8,000 EF students in 14 different countries. The EFCELT offers:
- Cutting-edge testing methods developed by Cambridge ESOL, the world抯 leader in English language assessment.
- A clear indication of language proficiency on an international scale with results directly linked to the Common European Framework level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2).
- A regular testing schedule, timed to correspond with the completion of EF抯 English courses.
- An opportunity for younger students to be assessed, with a Junior version to be launched in Q2 of next year.
揝tandardizing the way English is assessed is a big step towards improving how the language is taught throughout the world,� says EF President Philip Hult. 揥e are thrilled to be working with Cambridge ESOL to help improve the way students learn.�
EF has been establishing a network of Cambridge ESOL exam centers at EF schools around the world to deliver EFCELT along with Cambridge ESOL certificates such as the Preliminary English Test, Certificate in Advanced English, and a range of qualifications in business English.
Cambridge ESOL抯 CEO Dr. Mike Milanovic says that 揈FCELT is an exciting development, and I抦 delighted that EF has taken this step. It means that EF students will get a clear indication of the level they have achieved and this will give them the confidence to take an internationally recognized qualification that will help them in their education and work lives.�
EF is also working with University of Cambridge抯 Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics to establish an EF research unit devoted to improving and accelerating language learning.
Press and Media inquiries are advised to contact ming.chen@ef.com
EF and Cambridge ESOL unveil a ground-breaking global collaboration to fundamentally improve the way students learn English.
EF Education First (EF) and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) have announced a ground-breaking collaboration on a global scale. EF, the world抯 largest language training organization, and Cambridge ESOL, providers of the world抯 leading range of English language qualifications, are planning several initiatives aimed at fundamentally improving the way that students learn English.
Details of the projects are still being finalized, but Cambridge ESOL is already working on the EF Cambridge English Level Test (EFCELT). This test is designed to show students at all levels in EF schools throughout the world the level they have achieved at the end of their course, in line with internationally recognised levels. In addition, EF will recommend Cambridge ESOL exams to students in its schools and has announced that it intends to establish a network of EF schools as Cambridge exam centres to deliver Cambridge Main Suite and BULATS exams. EF will also encourage all of their teachers to gain Cambridge ESOL professional qualifications for language teachers.
"We are delighted to work with Cambridge," says EF President Philip Hult. "EF and Cambridge ESOL have long been at the forefront of our respective fields as innovators in the fields of language training and assessment. Through a close collaboration, we believe that together we can improve the way that students learn English through an exploration of the best tools, techniques, and technologies for teaching and testing. We also believe that by adopting Cambridge standards at various levels in our school, our students can benefit from this collaboration, as it creates a powerful learning experience."
"It抯 great that EF has decided to link its courses to internationally recognised standards, and to work with us to give learners an objective indication of their language skills. We are looking forward to working more closely with EF." comments Cambridge ESOL CEO Dr. Mike Milanovic.
EF President Philip Hult has also announced, "In addition to these global initiatives, EF is working with University of Cambridge抯 Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics to establish a research unit dedicated to exploring, improving, and accelerating the language learning experience."
Press and Media inquiries are advised to contact ming.chen@ef.com
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