“As you sow so shall you reap” – but what to sow? The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) applied to a Flemish business context

Abstract

This research project explores the relationship between the French skills taught during the Dutch-speaking professional Bachelor's of Applied Business, the perceived French language requirements for these Bachelor's graduates in the workplace, and the actual French language needs on the work floor. We review the current situation and consider how business views and academic output can be geared to actual job requirements. This project focuses on the development of French skills in Dutch-speaking higher education because of the intrinsically bilingual (or even trilingual) Belgian identity. Research conducted so far has allowed us to compare the views in both educational and business settings with the actual job requirements for beginning professionals in Logistics Management and Accounting-Taxation. At a further stage of the project, a CEFR-based learning and assessment tool will be developed in order to create clarity and consensus for all parties concerned. This tool will guarantee a more efficient selection method for companies, clarify training aims for educators, and improve self-awareness among students.

English Medium Instruction: a way towards linguistically better prepared professionals in the Basque Autonomous Community?

“…However, whether the aims of these educational activities really meet their goal to prepare students for their future professional lives is point of debate (Marchand et al 2013). The European Commission (2006) explicitly advocates improvement of the link between higher education and business in relation to language learning by means of a better collaboration.…”