Continuing Professional Development （CPD） Frameworks for Foreign Language Teachers

Abstract

　With the increase in the number of foreigners living in Japan and the diversification of learners due to the recruitment of foreign human resources, the CEFR, the international standard for foreign language education, has been introduced into Japanese language education. While this is a major change in Japanese language education, it is also necessary to review the qualifications and training required of teachers. In this study, five Continuing Professional Development （CPD） frameworks developed in Europe to support teachers’ professional development were explored. The CPD frameworks provide descriptive statements of language teachers’ competencies according to categories and developmental stages. They include general topics in Japanese language education, such as basic theories of foreign language learning, lesson design, and learning assessment, as well as noteworthy topics such as languagew awareness and language skills, autonomous learning, and educational use of ICT. The CPD frameworks seem to be effective for teachers to recognize through self-evaluation and self-reflection what kind of competencies they have and at what stage, and to develop their professional skills.