Abstract
We designed and trialled a reference framework for language ability for our Japanese language courses designed for overseas graduate students (beginner and intermediate levels). It lists the CEFR guidelines and what students should be able to do (Can-do) for the offered classes. The results of the students' self-evaluation of their Japanese ability (Can-do) showed the reference framework to be generally appropriate as a tool for teachers and students to recognize the relationship between the class levels and student abilities, and indicated that some of the students' descriptions of what they ‘can do’ needed to be reconsidered for certain skills.
